Episode Overview:

In this milestone 100th episode of the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, we sit down with the incomparable Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson—marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and visionary climate futurist. Co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, The All We Can Save Project, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet, Dr. Johnson is at the forefront of reimagining a climate future rooted in justice, imagination, and care.

In this expansive conversation, we explore how the ocean is central to climate solutions, how storytelling intersects with science, and what’s possible when we lead with joy. From co-authoring the Blue New Deal to her most recent book, What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson invites us to reframe our climate fears into courageous vision.

What We Discussed

• Imagination is a political tool for climate justice
• Hope is strategy in What If We Get It Right?
• Urban Ocean Lab is rethinking coastal cities
• Women’s leadership drives climate solutions
• Black imagination reshapes the ocean’s narrative

Dispatches from the Archive

E93. Imagining Diasporic Retrofutures with Olalekan Jeyifous Explore speculative architecture and Afro-futurism as artist Olalekan Jeyifous reimagines urban landscapes, challenging conventional notions of beauty and success in architecture.

E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City Urban planner Toni L. Griffin discusses the concept of "The Just City," focusing on designing urban spaces that are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of diverse communities.

E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation Landscape architect Sara Zewde delves into the intersection of public spaces and cultural narratives, emphasizing how parks and landscapes can serve as platforms for liberation and community identity.

E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture Architect Sekou Cooke introduces the concept of Hip-Hop Architecture, exploring how the ethos of hip-hop culture can inform and transform architectural practices and urban design.

E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space Urban designer Justin Garrett Moore discusses the importance of imagining and creating Black spaces that honor cultural heritage, foster community, and challenge systemic inequalities.

A Playlist Inspired by the Conversation

1. Optimistic – Sounds of Blackness – Because joy and action can coexist.
2. Everything Is Everything – Lauryn Hill – A nod to interconnectedness and time.
3. Swim Good – Frank Ocean – A deep and symbolic dive into the currents of escape, healing, and emotional truth.
4. Alright – Kendrick Lamar – The rally cry that keeps communities moving.
5. Freedom – Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar – For the fierce spirit of climate justice.

Books to Complement This Conversation

1. What If We Get It Right? – Ayana Elizabeth Johnson  A visionary call to imagine and build the world we want to live in, rather than focusing solely on preventing disaster.
2. All We Can Save – Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine Wilkinson A powerful anthology of essays, poetry, and art by women climate leaders offering climate solutions with heart.
3. The Climate Book – Edited by Greta Thunberg (featuring Johnson’s essay) An essential compendium of climate insights from global experts, including a compelling essay by Dr. Johnson.
4. Emergent Strategy – adrienne maree brown – On adaptation as revolution A guide to building movements and futures through adaptability, decentralization, and relational work.
5. The Intersectional Environmentalist – Leah Thomas – For deeper equity in ecology A foundational text on climate justice that centers marginalized voices and offers inclusive strategies for ecological action.

Resources & Links: 

🔗 Urban Ocean Lab

🔗 All We Can Save Project

🔗 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Website

🔗 What If We Get It Right Podcast www.getitright.earth/podcast

🔗 Instagram @ayanaeliza

🔗 X @ayanaeliza

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Until next time, stay curious, and keep dreaming.