March for Science Tomorrow

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.