Joy, Justice, and Possibility: What If We Get It Right?

trovegreenprovisio
Sep 15
4 min read

What If We Get It Right? gathers insights from experts across fields, showing how their work shapes the solutions we need and the future we can create. This collection is deeply impactful: it makes you realize both the depth of work already happening and the breadth of approaches that will be required. It also provides a more directional view of where each of us can make an impact. As one of the co-editors of All We Can Save, Johnson brings the same hopeful tone to this volume, with a laser focus on actions both grand and small.

Justice, Equity, and Centering the Marginalized

As climate research continually reminds us, equity and the amplification of marginalized voices are essential to addressing both the causes and the consequences of climate change. Across science, finance, urban design, and policy, the book illustrates how unjust past decisions have been, and argues that getting it right will depend on acknowledging past wrongs and centering restitution in ways that balance human needs with planetary health.

The message comes through clearly, but gently: climate work must be intertwined with social justice. That means reparative justice, fair labor, ethical sourcing of materials, and shifting power. Instead of sowing resentment, this framing creates space for connection, collaboration, and commitment.

Systemic / Structural Change over Piecemeal Fixes

Perhaps the hardest truth in this book is the call for systemic change on a global scale. Small actions matter, but they are not enough; we need transformation in energy, finance, infrastructure, and governance.

Johnson’s anthology is centered largely in the U.S., appropriate, given America’s outsized role in driving the crisis. Yet this focus can feel myopic at times, especially when considering the truly global nature of climate justice. The difficulty lies in the resistance: bad-faith actors and entrenched political systems threaten to stall the very progress we need. Until there is broader accountability and legislative clarity, the necessary shifts may not come in time.

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Localization, Regeneration, and Reconnection

In contrast to gridlocked politics, many of the solutions offered in the book return to the local: regional food systems, regenerative farming, ocean cultivation, and community-driven energy and design. The experts Johnson gathers show that progress is possible without waiting for centralized leadership. Local action builds resilience, and when these pockets of thriving spread, they can form the foundation of systemic renewal.

Cultural Shift: Values, Storytelling, Joy

The book also resonates on a cultural level, reinforcing the importance of embedding climate into every story we tell—whether in film, literature, or education. Fiction and nonfiction alike can normalize climate realities, blending warnings with visions of flourishing. Which is why I set up this book club to alternate between them, their connections to each other are critical.

Johnson’s contributors argue that art, poetry, and aesthetics help shape what we believe is possible and what we strive toward. Stories that offer joy, imagination, and critical thinking aren’t luxuries, they are tools for transformation. Culture lays the groundwork for action by shifting values and inspiring collective will.

Why It Matters

Ultimately, What If We Get It Right? reminds us that our aims shape our outcomes. If we aim only for survival, we may miss the chance for flourishing. If we aim high—for justice, equity, and regeneration—we give ourselves space to stretch toward the future we deserve.

Everyone has a role: not just scientists or policymakers, but farmers, artists, designers, educators, and everyday community members. Johnson’s Venn diagram framework—what you love, what you’re good at, and what needs doing—offers a map to find where we each fit. The organizations listed below are a good place to start to find where you can help the most.

List of Organizations Highlighted in the Book

350.org — Co-founded by Bill McKibben, one of the most influential climate activist networks in the world. It pioneered fossil fuel divestment campaigns and mass mobilizations.
Third Act — Another McKibben initiative, engaging people over 60 in climate and democracy action.
Earthjustice — Represented by Abigail Dillen, this nonprofit environmental law organization is often called “the lawyer for the Earth,” focusing on enforcing environmental protections.
Taproot Earth — Co-founded by Colette Pichon Battle, working on climate justice, racial equity, and disaster recovery in Gulf Coast communities.
GreenWave — Founded by Bren Smith, promoting regenerative ocean farming (seaweed and shellfish) as a climate solution and livelihood pathway.
Soul Fire Farm — Co-founded by Leah Penniman, a Black- and Indigenous-led farm in New York that models food sovereignty, regenerative farming, and racial justice in agriculture.

This book is both a challenge and an invitation: to imagine boldly, to act joyfully, and to work together toward getting it right.

Five Ways We Can “Get It Right” Together with Trove

Inspired by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s What If We Get It Right? here are our mindful intentions for Trove Green Provisions ( many we had already expressed a committment to) but I liked this framework for even more clarity.

Imagine the Future We Want: Every product we carry is part of a bigger story: a world where communities thrive, waste is minimal, and living well means living sustainably. When you shop here, you’re helping write that future.
Choose Justice Alongside Sustainability: We believe sustainability must also be fair. That’s why we highlight goods from local makers, women-led businesses, and artisans using ethical practices. Every purchase supports not just the planet, but the people behind the products.
Build Community, Not Just Carts: Our store isn’t just about things — it’s about connections. Join us for workshops, skill-shares, and conversations that bring neighbors together around the joy of sustainable living.
Find Joy in Living Lightly: Sustainable living isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about creativity, beauty, and abundance. From playful displays to everyday eco-swaps, we’re here to make green living fun and fulfilling.
See Change in Action: We’re walking this path too and sharing our progress with you. When you shop at Trove, you’re part of a store (and a community) that practices what it preaches.