Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a renowned marine biologist, environmental policy expert, and influential speaker. She is a passionate advocate for ocean protection and climate change solutions. Winner of the Schneider Award for climate communication, as a speaker Ayana inspires audiences to take action on climate change through her expertise in marine biology, sustainability, and ocean conservation. Her extensive knowledge and experience have made her a sought-after voice at global forums, from TED Talks to the Smithsonian Institute, where she has delivered powerful speeches on how we can create a sustainable future for our planet.
Ayana's journey to becoming a leading voice in the climate movement started early in her career. After earning her degree in marine biology, she worked as an environmental scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency. From there, she advanced to executive roles, including Executive Director at the Waitt Institute, where she co-founded the Blue Halo Initiative, aimed at managing and conserving the oceans. In 2016, Ayana founded the Ocean Collective, a consultancy that helped organisations like Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund with ocean policy and communications. Her commitment to climate action led to her co-founding the Urban Ocean Lab in 2018, where she continues to work on creating equitable and sustainable coastal cities.
In recent years, Ayana has achieved even more remarkable milestones. In 2020, she published “All We Can Save,” an anthology of writing by female climate leaders, and in 2024, she published "What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures". Ayana also co-created and co-hosted the “How to Save a Planet” podcast, which engages listeners with practical solutions for climate change. Additionally, she was appointed to the U.S. Secretary of State's Foreign Affairs Policy Board and named a Time100 Next honouree. In 2023, Ayana became a Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College, solidifying her reputation as a key leader in environmental policy and sustainability.
Ayana is frequently hired as a speaker due to her exceptional ability to communicate complex environmental issues in a relatable and inspiring manner. Her TED Talks “How to Find Joy in Climate Change”, “How to Use the Ocean Without Using It Up” and “A Love Story for the Coral Reef Crisis”, have resonated with global audiences. With a passion for educating others on how to protect the planet, Ayana’s speaking engagements focus on empowering individuals and organisations to take meaningful action on climate change and ocean conservation.
