What if we Get it Right?

            The title of the book represents the positive, hope-filled approach Ayana Johnson uses to flesh out the current discussions and actions revolving around climate change issues.  She spends three pages on the crisis and how bad things are, the rest of the 433 pages are devoted to current thinking in various areas related to climate issues, and solutions to the problems that human actions have caused that threaten our planet.  The author’s stated purpose:  “This book is about possibility and transformation. It’s about what the world could be if we charge ahead with the array of climate solutions we have at our fingertips, solutions at the intersection of science, policy, culture, and justice.”

            The format of the book is different.  The author is an oceanographer and climate scientist.  The heart of the book is her interviews with various experts in fields directly and indirectly involved in climate work.  The book is divided into eight sections: POSSIBILITY (setting the stage with climate scientist Kate Marvel); REPLENISH AND RE-GREEN (explores ecosystems, food systems, etc.); IF WE BUILD IT (building to conserve the natural world); FOLLOW THE MONEY(financial systems that affect climate); CULTURE IS THE CONTEXT (Hollywood, news outlets, community activism; CHANGING THE RULES(policy, politics, and rules); COMMUNITY FOREMOST (diasporas and homes, indigenous community responses); TRANSFORMATION (future of coastal habitations and joyous possibilities for a future that restores our planets health.  At the beginning of most of these sections is an introduction of ten problems and ten possibilities that introduce the section. 

            Those interviewed are from many fields of expertise, climate scientists, Hollywood producers,

visual artists, politicians, lobbyists, poets, venture capitalists, and climate justice attorneys. 

            I will emphasize one interview with Rihanna Gunn- Wright, who was one of the policy experts who wrote the Green New Deal policy in 2019, that eventually was voted down by the U. S. legislature.

It was only a 14 page document as a framework for decarbonizing the U. S. in a decade, while addressing systemic injustices, creating millions of jobs, an re-energizing the “real” economy, production of real goods, providing all with high-quality health care, affordable housing, clean air and water, healthy, affordable food, and access to nature.  I had no idea it was so comprehensive in addressing all aspects of climate affecting our lives.

            A helpful tool introduced in the book is the ‘climate action Venn diagram, designed to help people understand their ability to help in the climate crisis, and how to bring personal beliefs and talents to this important cause.  In looking at the ‘sweet spot’ in the middle of the diagram is the word:

‘action.’  This means doing something to help address the climate crisis, rather than talking about it or wishing it away.  The author offers these guidelines in finding your sweet spot.  Keep showing up; bring your superpowers; join something; find your people; be a problem solver; choose your battles; nourish joy; love nature.

            Ayana Johnson concludes:  “Averting climate catastrophe, this is the work of our lifetimes.  So, go where there is need and where your heart can find a home. And, when it all feels too much, return to this simple guiding question:  What if we act as if we love the future?  Be tenacious on behalf of life on earth.”

John Hanson