#USA #climate action #Carlisle #Dickinson College #Ayana Johnson

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to Focus on Actionable Climate Solutions During Dickinson College Residency

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a renowned marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and educator, will visit Dickinson College as the winner of the prestigious Sam Rose '58 and Julie Walters Prize for Global Environmental Activism. The residency will feature a series of events aimed at promoting practical solutions for climate change, culminating in a significant talk titled "A Fireside Chat with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson," hosted by Provost Dean of the College Renée Cramer on Tuesday, October 27, at 7 p.m. in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public, with options for online streaming.

President John E. Jones III praised Johnson's approach, noting that her work effectively integrates science, policy, and public engagement to motivate real climate action. He stated, "Dr. Johnson exemplifies the solutions-oriented approach to environmental stewardship we instill in our students."

Johnson is not just a prominent figure in environmental science; she is also the co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank that focuses on the future of coastal cities. Additionally, she has had a noteworthy academic career, serving as the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. Her bestselling book, What If We Get it Right? Visions of Climate Futures, is complemented by her informative newsletter and podcast of the same name.

Her impressive track record includes co-editing the acclaimed climate anthology All We Can Save, launching the All We Can Save Project, and co-creating the Spotify/Gimlet podcast How to Save a Planet. As an advocate for ocean policy, she co-authored the Blue New Deal, which serves as a roadmap for tackling climate challenges that threaten our oceans. Johnson’s work with the Waitt Institute led to the Blue Halo Initiative and the Caribbean's first successful island-wide ocean zoning effort.

Starting her career at important U.S. federal institutions, she contributed to shaping ocean policy at the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Her academic credentials are robust; she holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and public policy from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Committed to leadership in sustainability, Johnson sits on the boards of Patagonia and GreenWave, and is part of the advisory board for the Environmental Voter Project. Her expertise has been recognized with several awards, including the Schneider Award for Outstanding Climate Communication and the TIME Earth Award. Johnson's writings have found their way into notable publications such as the New York Times, WIRED, and Rolling Stone.

A proud daughter of a teacher/farmer and an architect/potter, Johnson's diverse background informs her holistic approach to environmental activism. The Rose-Walters Prize, which carries a $100,000 award, honors individuals who drive forward environmental action and create meaningful opportunities for Dickinson students. Previous recipients include distinguished climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe and the Natural Resources Defense Council. With her visit, Dickinson College hopes to inspire a new generation of environmental activists eager to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change.