Ideas worth spreading

How to find joy in climate action

1,606,108 views | Ayana Elizabeth Johnson • TED2022

We can all play a role in the climate movement by tapping into our skills, resources and networks in ways that bring us satisfaction, says climate leader Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. She suggests drawing a Venn diagram to map these questions: What are you good at? What is the work that needs doing? And what brings you joy? Where your answers intersect is where you should put your climate action effort. "Averting climate catastrophe: this is the work of our lifetimes," Johnson says.

We can all play a role in the climate movement by tapping into our skills, resources and networks in ways that bring us satisfaction, says climate leader Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. She suggests drawing a Venn diagram to map these questions: What are you good at? What is the work that needs doing? And what brings you joy? Where your answers intersect is where you should put your climate action effort. "Averting climate catastrophe: this is the work of our lifetimes," Johnson says.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Create your own Climate Action Venn Diagram to find specialized ways to contribute to climate solutions.

Share your Venn diagram to inspire others to also consider impactful climate actions they can take. Post it to Instagram and tag @ClimateVenn.

Peruse the work of Project Drawdown to learn more about the full range of existing climate solutions.

About the speaker

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

See speaker profile

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, writer, climate policy expert and co-founder of the nonprofit think tank Urban Ocean Lab.

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Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Create your own Climate Action Venn Diagram to find specialized ways to contribute to climate solutions.

Share your Venn diagram to inspire others to also consider impactful climate actions they can take. Post it to Instagram and tag @ClimateVenn.

Peruse the work of Project Drawdown to learn more about the full range of existing climate solutions.