You Should Know: Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Spotlighting leaders shaping a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Through science and storytelling, Dr. Johnson inspires us to rethink how we care for our planet and each other.
“Every 4 seconds, one ton of plastic enters the ocean.”
“There are 500 times more pieces of plastic in the ocean than stars in the galaxy.”
“Every piece of plastic ever made still exists.”
🌊 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Background & Leadership
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and teacher dedicated to creating a sustainable and equitable climate future. She co-founded Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank focused on climate policies for coastal cities, and serves as the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College.
Education & Policy
Her academic path includes a BA from Harvard in Environmental Science and Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She’s worked at the EPA, NOAA, and led initiatives like the Blue Halo Initiative in Barbuda through the Waitt Institute.
Communication & Advocacy
Dr. Johnson co-edited the bestselling anthology All We Can Save, co-founded the related nonprofit, and co-hosted the podcast How to Save a Planet. Her book What If We Get It Right? offers hope in climate storytelling.
More about her journey…
Dr. Johnson serves on the boards of Patagonia and GreenWave and advises the Environmental Voter Project. She's been named to the Time 100 Next List and won the Schneider Award for climate communication. Her work continues to bridge science, justice, and public engagement.
🎧 Listen, Learn, Take Action
🎙 Karen Hunter Is Awesome (Podcast Episode)
Dr. Johnson discusses climate truth, solutions, and hope in this candid, empowering conversation.
🌍 How to Save a Planet (Podcast Series)
Co-hosted by Dr. Johnson, this podcast breaks down climate issues and what we can do about them. (Cancelled, but strong science base)
🎤 TED Talk: A New Climate Vision
A powerful TED Talk imagining a hopeful future and the role of imagination in solving climate change.
📖 All We Can Save Project
A feminist climate leadership movement co-founded by Dr. Johnson. Explore essays, tools, and events.
🌿 With hope and action,
— Trina
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