April 22, 2017 is Earth Day. This year, the event will be marked with global demonstrations, calling to support and safeguard the scientific community.
According to organisers, new policies both in the US and around the world, threaten to restrict scientific research “We face a possible future where people not only ignore scientific evidence, but seek to eliminate it entirely,” they said. “Staying silent is a luxury that we can no longer afford. We must stand together and support science.”
Now, internationally renowned conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr Jane Goodall has added her voice in support of the March, calling out those who deny climate change.
“Science has played an extremely important part in my life,” says Goodall in a video on her Facebook page. “It is immensely disturbing to find that today, there are people who are belittling scientists and belittling the role that science can play in helping us understand ourselves, and what is going on in the planet today.”
Goodall also took aim at those who deny the existence and impact of anthropogenic climate change.“Many scientists have spent years collecting information about the effect of human actions on the climate. There is no question that the climate is changing, I have seen it all over the world,” she said.
Goodall’s comments are particularly pertinent given the recent comments made by US President Donald Trump, calling climate change a “hoax”, and vowing to withdraw the US from the historic Paris climate agreement.
The March for Science will be marked with a main rally in Washington, D.C. but there will also be satellite marches in over 400 locations around the world. While Goodall won’t be able to attend herself, she has encouraged everyone who is available to participate, “I wish I could be marching with you. But there will be a cardboard life size Jane that is marching, showing everybody that I want to be there and that I shall be there with you all in spirit.”
Watch Dr Jane Goodall’s video below:
