In conjunction with Earth Day, 22 April, individuals championing science took to the streets to protest against alleged ‘anti-science policies’ and to ‘defend scientific integrity’. The marches are stipulated to continue for a week, between 23-29 April 2017.
Said to have been prompted by the Trump administration’s policy on climate change and its budget cuts to science-related organizations, March for Science’s main event was held in Washington D.C., which saw some 40,000 protestors, including well-known scientists and science personalities such as educator Bill Nye. The movement claims to be non-partisan although its website admits to being an “explicitly political movement”.
Despite being a US-based movement, March for Science was designed to be a global event from its inception. The movement’s website acknowledges and actively promotes global satellites, which currently total 610.
Although many scientists have expressly supported the rallies, some critics – many of whom are also scientists – have criticized the movement because of its overtly political and ideological stance.
Here are some rallies that took place in the Asia-Pacific Region.
- Malaysia
Photo Courtesy of March for Science’s Facebook page
- Kyrgyzstan
Photo Courtesy of March for Science’s Facebook page
- Bangladesh
Photo Courtesy of March for Science’s Facebook page
- Australia
Photos courtesy of March for Science’ Facebook page
- Japan
Photos courtesy of March for Science’ Facebook page
- New Zealand
Photos courtesy of March for Science’ Facebook page
- South Korea
Photos courtesy of March for Science’ Facebook page
- The Philippines
Photo courtesy of Kalikasan’s Facebook page