Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Ralph J. Cicerone, President of the National Academy of Sciences, for a discussion of the challenges facing the scientific community. Cicerone describes his research interests and explains the qualities of a scientist and what makes science a unique enterprise. He also focuses on leadership in science discussing his work at UC Irvine to establish a department of geosciences and his goals as President of the National Academy of Science and Chair of the National Research Council. He reflects on his work on, "Climate Change Science: An Analysis on Some Key Questions," which he chaired-and delivered in one month-in 2001. Cicerone also considers the problem of the politicization of the climate change debate and concludes with positive signs that over time the international community will confront the challenges posed by climate change. Recorded on 02/24/2016. (#30561)