Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and teacher working to help create the best possible climate future.
Dr. Johnson is co-founder of, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at 含羞草研究室. She authored the forthcoming book , co-edited the bestselling climate anthology , co-founded , and co-created and co-hosted the Spotify/Gimlet climate solutions podcast .
Recently, she co-authored the , a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy. Previously, as executive director of the , she co-founded the Blue Halo Initiative and led the Caribbean’s first successful island-wide ocean zoning effort. She also developed U.S. federal ocean policy at the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Ayana earned a BA from Harvard University in environmental science and public policy, and a Ph.D. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in marine biology. She serves on the board of directors for Patagonia and , on the advisory board of, and on the steering committee for the . Recent recognitions include, the for climate communication and the .
She is the proud daughter of a teacher/farmer and an architect/potter. Above all: Ayana is in love with climate solutions.
Education
- Ph.D., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Marine Biology, 2011
- B.A., Harvard University, Environmental Science and Public Policy, 2002