The beloved marine biologist and policy expert imagines an inspiring landscape of possible climate futures. Pre-order your copy of What If We Get It Right? and get your free ticket now!

Despite the genuinely dire warnings about climate change, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson believes that our future is not yet written. In her new book, What If We Get It Right, Johnson guides readers through solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice. In addition to her original essays, she seeks wisdom from an array of visionary farmers, financiers, architects, and advocates who are able to conjure images of a flourishing future. Mixing poetry, data, and art, Johnson demonstrates a multiplicity of futures that are worth the effort they will take—and discusses how we can each play a role in helping all of us get there.

Johnson discusses her new book with poet Steve Connell.

Pre-order your copy of the book and skip the line after the event! Tickets labeled "In-Person (with book)" include a copy of What If We Get It Right? that you'll receive upon entry.

To join the event in-person | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins.  For LIVE from NYPL events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To join the livestream | Want a copy of What If We Get It Right?? Order your book at the Library Shop—proceeds benefit The New York Public Library.

A livestream of this event will be available on this NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

What If We Get It Right? will be available for purchase from the Library Shop the evening of the event. All books purchased in the bundle should be picked up the evening of the event. If you are unable to pick up your book the evening of the event, you must pick up your book at the NYPL Shop within 14 days. Any unclaimed books will be donated to the Library.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She co-founded and leads Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. Dr. Johnson co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, co-created, and co-hosted the Spotify/Gimlet podcast How to Save a Planet, and co-authored the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy. She serves on the board of directors for Patagonia and GreenWave, and on the advisory board of Environmental Voter Project. Above all: She is in love with climate solutions.

Steve Connell is a two-time National Poetry Champion, celebrated host, and transformative entertainer who believes story is an act of survival. Televised performances include: ABC, HBO, MTV, PBS, NBC, ESPN. Live performances include: Sundance, TEDMED, Kennedy Center, and The White House. Command performances include: Norman Lear, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Quincy Jones, and President Obama. His celebrated piece "We Are The Lions" has over ten million views & was performed at the UN. He recently performed in Paris as one of eight poets selected to represent Los Angeles at the Olympics. He is about to start his third year as Poet Laureate of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Additional highlights include: Maya Angelou’s 75th birthday, Norman Lears 100th BDay celebration on ABC, and registering over one million voters touring with the Declaration of Independence.

READ THE BOOK:

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog
• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.
• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.
• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Livestream

• Captions and a transcript will be provided.
• Media used over the course of the conversation will be accompanied by alt text and/or audio description.
• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

CONNECT WITH US

Sign up for our e-newsletters to stay up to date on upcoming events and Library offerings.

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

SUPPORT THE LIBRARY

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.