It's been a year since the first, million-strong science march took place. In 600 locations across 7 continents, scientists, non-scientists, the curious, the critical thinkers, and the torch-bearers of facts and evidence mobilized and took to the streets to demonstrate that once ignited, science is a light that never goes out. No matter who's in charge. I myself drove to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join forces with our
American cousins who are living through particularly dark days of science
reckoning. Thousands of people turned up, and like the marches in so many
other cities south of the border, UMichigan's was diverse, welcoming and very animated.
All told around the world, the March for Science became the
single largest event of its kind in history. And a year later, not much has changed for science on some political frontiers; in fact, things have gotten far worse in some places. But something has been switched on in the minds of so many people who value truth and equity and honesty. Those people have mobilized since last April. What was a moment has become a movement.
In this era of fake news, bots, and alternative facts, it is more
important than ever to be vigilant in upholding a scientific understanding of
the world. Science our best hope for the progress of our species. To ignore it
is to turn our backs on a defining part of our humanity. It is also fundamental
to a progressive, democratic society, as scientifically informed citizens make
better decisions for their lives and for society. In virtually every aspect of
our lives, we need science. And now, science needs us.
Today, communities around the world are coming
together to do it again. Here in Canada, the March for Science is taking place
in cities across the country. It is the time to get out, get active, and
give back to science. If you can’t march, then volunteer. If you can’t
volunteer, then tweet. If you can’t tweet, then post. Every effort helps.
Today is a time that we should all be asking ourselves, not what science
can do for us, but what we can do for science. I plan on starting with the march.
