What inspired you to write “What If We Get It Right?”
A. I was inspired by the urgent need for positive narratives and visions of the future in the face of the climate crisis. So much of the conversation around climate change is focused on doom and gloom, and while it’s important to acknowledge the severity of the situation, I wanted to shift the focus to solutions and possibilities. I wanted to show that a better world is not only possible but within reach if we take action now.
Q. What do you hope readers will take away from the book?
A. I hope readers will feel inspired and empowered to take action in their own lives and communities. I want them to see that they have the power to make a difference and that small changes can lead to big impacts. I also hope the book sparks conversations and ideas for how we can collectively create a more sustainable and equitable future.
Q. Can you share a bit about your unconventional book tour?
A. Yes! Instead of traditional book signings and readings, I’ll be embarking on a series of community events and workshops focused on climate action and resilience. I’ll be partnering with local organizations and experts to bring practical solutions and resources to communities across the country. I want to engage directly with people and empower them to take action in their own lives.
Q. What’s next for you after the book tour?
A. I’ll continue my work as a climate advocate and policy expert, focusing on advancing climate solutions at the local, national, and global levels. I’ll also be working on new projects and collaborations to further the goals of sustainability and equity. The fight against climate change is far from over, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to create a better world for future generations.
Q. Any final thoughts or messages for readers?
A. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me and my work. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming at times, but together, we can make a difference. Let’s keep pushing for a more sustainable and just world, and let’s never lose sight of the power we have to create positive change. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
What If We Get It Right? is now available for purchase, and you can learn more about Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and her work at her website. Let’s all take inspiration from her vision of a better future and work together to make it a reality.
I didn’t start out with that structure in mind. Initially, I thought I would just write a regular old book, you know, with my own thoughts and experiences. But as I sat down to write, I realized that my voice alone wasn’t enough. I wanted this book to be a chorus of voices, a symphony of perspectives coming together to paint a more complete picture of the climate crisis and the solutions we have at our disposal.
I wanted to showcase the diversity of thought and experience within the climate movement, to highlight the many different ways in which people are working towards a more sustainable future. So, I reached out to activists, scientists, artists, poets, and more, inviting them to share their stories and insights. And what emerged was a tapestry of voices, each adding a unique thread to the larger narrative.
I think it’s important to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized or overlooked in conversations about climate change. We need to hear from indigenous communities, from frontline activists, from young people who will inherit the consequences of our actions. By including these perspectives in the book, I hope to broaden the conversation and inspire readers to think more deeply about the interconnectedness of our world.
So, in a way, this book became what I needed to read because it wasn’t just my voice speaking out into the void. It was a collective cry for change, a rallying call for action and hope. And I hope that readers will find solace and inspiration in these pages, knowing that they are not alone in this fight for a better world. In a world inundated with information and experts, it can be overwhelming to try and distill all the knowledge out there into something meaningful and impactful. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a prominent figure in the climate movement, found herself faced with this dilemma when considering writing a book based on her vast knowledge and experiences.
Initially, Johnson was hesitant to embark on the typical process of reading numerous books and regurgitating information from other experts. Instead, she sought a more personal and joyful approach to sharing her insights. This led her to create the Climate Venn Diagram, a unique exercise designed to help individuals find the intersection of what brings them joy, what they are good at, and what work needs to be done in the climate movement.
Through her popular event series, Science & Society, Johnson discovered the power of storytelling and conversation in engaging people with complex topics related to climate change. Her editor recognized this as her unique strength and encouraged her to turn her interviews with experts into a book.
The result is a conversational and lighthearted format that allows Johnson to guide readers through the insights of various experts in the field. The audiobook version features the voices of these experts, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
Looking ahead, Johnson is focused on expanding the reach of her book through a deliberate and intentional tour. She plans to engage with audiences in a meaningful way, using the Climate Venn Diagram exercise to spark conversations and connections among like-minded individuals.
Additionally, Johnson is passionate about leveraging her platform to drive environmental activism, particularly around voter engagement. She aims to mobilize environmentalists to participate in the democratic process and ensure their voices are heard.
As she looks to the future, Johnson envisions a shift towards more behind-the-scenes work, focusing on policy and building up the foundational work of the climate movement. She has plans for a Substack newsletter and podcast to continue sharing important conversations and ideas.
Ultimately, Johnson hopes that her book serves as a guide for others to find their own paths in the climate movement. She envisions a future where her work is no longer needed, as individuals are empowered to take action and make a difference on their own.
In a final flourish, Johnson’s book includes visuals of a compelling climate future created by artist Olalekan Jeyifous, adding a visual dimension to the hopeful vision she presents in her work. As she continues to inspire and engage audiences, Johnson’s impact on the climate movement is sure to be lasting and profound. In the photomontages created by artist Olalekan Jeyifous, a “protopian, sustainable community in ’90s Brooklyn” is brought to life. This vision of a future that is “decolonized, decarbonized, draped up, and dripped out” showcases a green and joy-filled society that Jeyifous imagines as the Proto-Farm Communities of Upstate New York, or PFCs.
The image featured in the article depicts a Black woman in a vibrant green dress, smiling as she leans against the rail of a structure overlooking a lush green garden and forest. This idyllic scene captures the essence of Jeyifous’ vision for a community that is in harmony with nature and sustainable in its practices.
The PFCs represent a utopian dream where communities live in balance with the environment, growing their own food and living off the land. This vision is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds a deeper message about the importance of sustainability and decolonization in our society.
By reimagining urban spaces as green, thriving communities, Jeyifous challenges us to think differently about the way we interact with our environment. The PFCs serve as a reminder that a better, more sustainable future is within reach if we are willing to embrace change and prioritize the well-being of our planet.
Overall, Jeyifous’ photomontages offer a glimpse into a future where communities live in harmony with nature, creating a sustainable and vibrant society that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. The PFCs stand as a testament to the power of imagination and creativity in envisioning a better world for all.
