On April 22, scientists, science lovers, and others united in marches around the world in the name of science. The largest of the over 600 marches occurred in Washington, DC. This demonstration was particularly important given a political climate which glorifies "alternative facts," and which many fear will lead to scientific data being censored, dismissed, or even destroyed for contradicting political or business interests. To show our support for truth, a few Island Press (IP) staff members and authors made their way to D.C. and took to the streets for the March for Science. Here is what some authors had to say, along with photos of the event that IP staffer Maureen Gately captured.
“As times goes on, as the glaciers recede, as the tundra melts, as the oceans acidify, we must turn more and more to the most enlightening people on the planet - scientists! We need their voices in congress, in state legislatures, in city council meetings, in town hall meetings, and in every corner of the social networks. This has always been true, but never more so than in this unfortunate time of being faced simultaneously with the twin threats of climate change and the willful ignorance represented by climate denial. Thank scientists for their research, but doubly thank them for sharing their knowledge with the public, and triply thank them if they run for office!”
-Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State, and author of Apollo's Fire
"Despite only covering a few blocks, the March was surprisingly exhausting. When we finally careened to a halt in a parking lot in front of the capital, my jeans were soaked, my throat was hoarse, my cell phone was about dead. I didn't bring my own sign, but a little girl lent me hers, dripping green magic marker. Good thing Maureen Gately brought a goofy umbrella that was easy to spot. We tumbled into Union Pub and I seem to remember that everyone who was there including me somehow agreed it was the best grilled cheese we'd ever had"
-Marc Kuchner, author of Marketing for Scientists
Do you have any reflections on the March for Science? If so, share them in the comments below.
