Against Trump and Anti-Science Climate: "March for Science" in Vienna
In the USA, "institutions are being dismantled, funding is being cut, entire research fields are being banned, and researchers as well as disciplines are being discredited. Data of immense importance - such as for controlling disease outbreaks or for the global climate - are no longer available," it says. There is uncertainty among scientists, many of whom are threatened with dismissal: "Just a few weeks after the new president took office, it requires great courage to continue to speak freely on many topics to the best of one's knowledge and conscience."
Warning of US Conditions in Europe
Now it is about setting a sign in Europe as well, to ensure that such processes do not take place in our regions, say the initiators and supporters of the initiative, among whom are climate scientist Helga Kromp-Kolb, climate policy expert Reinhard Steurer, and environmental historian Verena Winiwarter. In the USA, rallies will be held in numerous cities on March 7 under the slogan "Stand Up for Science." The main event will take place in Washington DC.
The Vienna organizers want to make a statement with their action and show that "the light of enlightenment in Europe has not been extinguished" and that science "deserves our trust." It is about defending "the independence of thought and research," Kromp-Kolb is quoted in the release. If free science is questioned, it will "shake the civilization built upon it," says Steurer.
Trump Again Trigger for "March for Science"
Under the motto "March for Science," tens of thousands of people demonstrated in April 2017 in more than 600 cities worldwide for the importance of science and a fact-based policy. The occasion at that time was the beginning of the first presidency of Donald Trump, who is considered extremely critical of science. In Vienna, too, thousands of people took to the streets almost eight years ago. Several scientific organizations and the Ministry of Science called for participation at that time.
(APA/red.)
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