At a time when climate conversations can feel overwhelming, a new celebration is flipping the script with music, movement and momentum! Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and Birch Aquarium are teaming up to throw a "Climate Dance Party" that brings together ocean science, climate solutions and a whole lot of joy. This party is centered on a climate movement led by Scripps alumna Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and the paperback launch of her New York Times bestselling book, "What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures." The Climate Dance Party takes place on Friday, April 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Birch Aquarium and invites guests of all ages to imagine and co-create the future we want for our ocean planet. Join Johnson as she shares the updated and expanded edition of her book, highlighting real, tangible climate solutions already taking root around the world. Guests can also connect with the community and climate organizations, share ideas and groove along to music from DJs for Climate Action — all while enjoying a vibrant, inspiring atmosphere at the aquarium. “Let's take climate change seriously without taking ourselves seriously.,” said Johnson. “The world is a hot mess, so let’s shake off our climate anxiety, focus on solutions, and find people to team up with. If you love the Earth as much as I do, come dance.” Johnson, who earned her PhD from Scripps Oceanography in 2011, is a prominent marine biologist, policy expert, writer and teacher working to help create the best possible climate future. She is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. Previously, she co-edited the bestselling anthology "All We Can Save", co-created and co-hosted the Spotify/Gimlet podcast "How to Save a Planet." A native of Brooklyn, she is known for her work at the intersection of science, policy and justice. At its heart, the Climate Dance Party is a living expression of Scripps Oceanography and Birch Aquarium’s mission to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. By blending science with creativity and community, the event reflects the aquarium’s commitment to responding to the climate crisis and empowering people to take meaningful action. The first 300 guests to arrive at the event will receive a paperback copy of "What If We Get It Right?." Food and beverage will also be available for purchase at the aquarium’s Blue Wave Bistro. This is one of several Climate Dance Parties on Johnson’s book tour. Other locations include Brooklyn Botanic Garden, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Monterey Bay Aquarium, American Museum of Natural History and Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and Environment. The event is anticipated to sell out and advanced reservations are recommended. Visit: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/climate-dance-party Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Instagram and Facebook
