“What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures”

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a scientist, policy expert, writer, and teacher working to help create the best possible climate future. She co-­founded and leads Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. Dr. Johnson authored the forthcoming book “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures”; co-edited the bestselling anthology “All We Can Save”; co-created and co-­hosted the Spotify/Gimlet podcast How to Save a Planet; and co-authored the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and public policy from Harvard University, and a doctorate in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She serves on the board of directors for Patagonia and GreenWave, and on the advisory board of Environmental Voter Project. Above all, she is in love with climate solutions.

Scientists, writers, filmmakers, and artists have shown us — repeatedly and in great detail — the climate apocalypse we will trigger with business as usual. It will take a massive transformation to avoid that future. When it comes to climate change, there’s an important question we don’t ask often enough: What if we get it right? In her keynote address, Dr. Johnson will discuss her new book, “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures.” It guides us through solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice, featuring 20 interviews with visionary farmers and financers, scientists and culture-makers, activists and journalists. “What If We Get It Right?” helps us conjure a flourishing future, one worth the effort it will take — from every one of us, with whatever we have to offer — to create.