Native Plant Conservation Campaign News: Defense of Science Update – scientific organizations release statements on science and the Trump Administration, April climate and science marches plans progress
March 9, 2017
Two scientific organizations have released new statements of concern about the Trump Administrations actions and attitude towards science.
On March 4, 2017, editors of the journal Biogeochemistry released a Statement expressing concern that “the very nature of science and its role in American society is under attack.” The statement included a call to action urging scientists to reach out to the public and policymakers and better to communicate the value of science and the scientific method.
The Statement also discussed how anti-science rhetoric and misinformation have impacted public understanding of evolution, climate change and other important topics.
On March 6, 2017, Ecological Society of America president David Lodge wrote a letter to ESA members expressing concern about the “absence of science and scientists in the Trump Administration” and agency appointments and budget cutting proposals that confirm the administration’s “dismissive attitude toward science, especially toward sustainability science and environmental protections”.
The Lodge letter also included a call to scientists to increase their engagement in public discourse about scientific issues. The letter contained links to Ecological Society publications and positions on policy, environmental and scientific issues and asked readers to consider attending the
March for Science on Earth Day April 22, 2017.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Consider attending the March for Science on April 22, 2017 and/or the People’s Climate March on April 29.
- Speak Out! Contact your elected representatives and tell them you support the integrity, independence and transparency of U.S. federal scientific programs. Tell them that these programs should be fully funded so the U.S. can effectively confront climate change, disease, famine, invasive species and other challenges to our survival.
