A leading marine biologist advocates for optimism in climate change discussions

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a prominent climate activist and marine biologist, emphasizes the importance of cautious optimism and collective action in addressing the climate crisis.

David Marchese reports for The New York Times.


In short:

  • Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson promotes a hopeful outlook on climate change, focusing on actionable solutions.
  • Her upcoming book, "What if We Get It Right?" explores promising climate solutions through interviews with various leaders.
  • Johnson highlights the need for inclusive communication to engage diverse audiences in climate action.

Key quote:

“People don’t like sacrifice. People don’t like bans. But I think there’s a way to frame that as: This is an opportunity to live a different and better life.”

— Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist and climate activist.

Why this matters:

Emphasizing positive, actionable steps can motivate more people to participate in climate solutions in meaningful ways, ultimately driving public engagement and policy support to mitigate global warming's impacts. Read more: Finding climate solutions in communities instead of labs.

Colorful huts along a tropical beach with people on the sand

Beach erosion and rising sea levels threaten Senegalese communities

Rising sea levels are eroding Senegal’s shorelines, leaving communities and the country’s government scrambling to cope with the implications.
An illustration of the globe with people migrating toward the U.S.

Flooding and droughts drove them from their homes. Now they’re seeking a safe haven in New York

Data analysis found higher than average migration growth to the US from areas in Guatemala, Bangladesh and Senegal hit by repeated climate disasters.
Two older people sitting at a kitchen table looking at bills

What happens when your insurance company goes bankrupt after a hurricane?

Hurricane Ida revealed a fragile insurance industry ill-prepared for the consequences of climate change. More than four years later, what's changed?
A view of smokestacks spewing smoke into a blue sky

How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country

In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
Marching for science in Washington DC to fight for science funding and scientific analysis in politics
Credit: Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash

Push to counter disinformation at COP30 climate summit

As a majority of global citizens call for bold climate change action, a new push for information integrity aims to neutralize the climate denial that has thwarted ambitious action.
A court room gavel sitting on a wooden surface
Credit: Yunus Tuğ/Unsplash+

Federal courts divided, so far, on Trump’s environmental retreat

Judges curbed rollbacks during Trump’s first term. But the courts and the law have changed thanks to Trump’s own appointments. Those votes will be critical as his team seeks to erase the legal basis for climate action in his second term.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.