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.

Man wiping the sweat off of his forehead with a shirt while sitting outside in a park

Warning for heat and drought-hit UK: It gets worse without climate action

Climate Change Committee’s Baroness Brown said the ‘evidence is screaming at us’ of the need to act on climate change.
Wooden court gavel overlaying and surrounded by hundred-dollar bills
Credit: Roman Romaniuk/BigStock Photo ID: 168408899

Samuel Alito gained up to $2.9M from oil and gas assets since joining Supreme Court, analysis shows

Critics argue U.S. high court justice should recuse himself from upcoming fossil fuel firms’ climate accountability case.

An offshore drilling platform with the setting sun in thedistance

They're making record profits, but oil companies still won't 'drill, baby, drill'

The war in the Middle East has sent Big Oil’s profits soaring; companies are pocketing the money rather than expanding drilling.

A man wearing a cowboy hat standing next to a horse with green fields in the background

These Colorado ranchers want fossil fuel companies held accountable

A group of Colorado ranchers filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of a climate change lawsuit against fossil fuel companies.
An Arctic fox standing on an ice floe with an iceberg in the background

Trump administration ends support for flagship Arctic climate reports

The Trump administration is ending federal support for the flagship annual report on the state of the Arctic and how the region is changing due to climate pollution.

Supporters of President Donald Trump parade in cars and trucks in Miami, Florida
Credit: fblanco7305/BigStock Photo ID: 392615693

Trump waged war on EVs. Now he’s helping them out

The Trump administration’s mineral agenda will bolster defense technologies and data centers. It’ll also provide a big boost for EV companies.
Helicopter flying over a coastal wildfire as flames erupt skyward

California officials scrambled as spring wildfire neared former nuclear reactor site, emails show

As the Sandy Fire approached the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in May, state and local officials had to move quickly to assess how safe the air was amid radiation concerns as the fire burned a quarter mile from the contaminated area.
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.