UCSD - University of California - San Diego

03/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/10/2026 11:51

Dance Party Turns Up the Volume on Climate Action

Published Date

March 10, 2026

Article Content

La Jolla, CA (March 10, 2026) - 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 Timesbestselling book, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures.

The Climate Dance Party takes place on Friday, April 24 from 6 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.

Tickets for the Climate Dance Party at Birch Aquarium are on sale now. Tickets are $39.95 for adults (Ages 18+), $34.95 for kids (Ages 3-17) and $15.95 for UC San Diego faculty, staff and students (UC San Diego ID required). Discounts are also available for Birch Aquarium members. The event is anticipated to sell out and advanced reservations are recommended. For more information or to buy tickets, visit Birch Aquarium's website.

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About Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world's most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium's mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edufor more information.

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Learn more about research and education at UC San Diego in: Climate Change

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