Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Honored with Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism at Dickinson College

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to Receive Renowned Rose-Walters Prize

Marine biologist, author, policy expert, and educator Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is being honored with The Sam Rose '58 and Julie Walters Prize for Global Environmental Activism at Dickinson College. The annual award, which amounts to $100,000, recognizes individuals and organizations that are making significant strides toward positive environmental change.

This esteemed recognition will be presented to Johnson during Dickinson's Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2026, where she will be celebrated for her outstanding efforts in advocating for the planet and its communities. Johnson, who co-founded the Urban Ocean Lab, has dedicated her career to researching and promoting sustainable solutions for coastal cities amid the climate crisis.

Johnson's work includes authoring the New York Times bestseller, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures, which shares her insights on climate solutions through her widely-followed newsletter and podcast. Moreover, she is notably recognized for co-editing the influential climate anthology, All We Can Save, and for her role in co-creating the popular Spotify and Gimlet podcast, How to Save a Planet.

Throughout her career, Johnson has crafted key environmental policies, including the Blue New Deal, which addresses significant oceanic climate challenges. Her leadership at the nonprofit Waitt Institute saw the implementation of the Blue Halo Initiative, and she played a pivotal role in achieving the Caribbean’s first comprehensive ocean zoning project. Her early career included influential roles in U.S. federal ocean policy development while working at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

A graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and public policy, Johnson also obtained her Ph.D. from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in marine biology. Her numerous accolades include the Schneider Award for Outstanding Climate Communication, the TIME Earth Award, and her contributions to renowned publications such as the New York Times, WIRED, and Rolling Stone.

In addition to her impressive credentials, Johnson serves on the board of directors for Patagonia and GreenWave, and she advises the Environmental Voter Project. Raised in a household where education and creativity thrived—her mother a teacher and farmer, and her father an architect and potter—Johnson’s passion for climate solutions is deeply rooted in her upbringing.

The Rose-Walters Prize not only celebrates Johnson's achievements but also fosters opportunities for the Dickinson College community. Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, Johnson will engage with students and faculty during her multi-day residency at the college. The prize has previously recognized other notable climate activists, including Armond Cohen, Katharine Hayhoe, and Tara Houska, alongside organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council.

As the world confronts escalating environmental challenges, honoring innovators like Ayana Elizabeth Johnson plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. Her commitment to forging effective pathways for sustainability reinforces the impact that dedicated individuals can have in advocating for our planet's health.