Climate Action Merribek: people in Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner and Glenroy wanting action on climate change

Are you joining the scientists for the science march in Melbourne?

April 21, 2017 at 8:10 pm John Englart Leave a comment

On Saturday, Earthday, scientists are on the march, including in Melbourne. They are asking for science to inform public policy, for the media to take note and respect the science, instead of giving equal time to charlatans and deniers under the label of ‘balanced debate’. We have seen cutbacks in funding for science research here in Australia, and are witnessing a major attack on government scientific organisations with the Trump regime in the United States.

It’s time to take to the streets in support of our scientists. This march is in support of science and science research in all it’s various disciplines, including climate science.

Join us at the march in Melbourne, 1pm State Library in Melbourne.

Share on social media your #marchforscience pics to your friends interstate or overseas.

Hope you attended, the weather turned out just right for the march, with some eloquent speakers. Read the storify: Melbourne Marches for science and See John Englart’s photo gallery on Flickr

The route

How will climate affect Australia

Our climate scientists are vital to planning and implementing mitigation and adaptation climate policy.

How to decide to march?

Pep talk from scientists

Rob Gell: “Clearly vested interests have had the opportunity somewhere along the line to create myths that are adhered to by people in society who should know better, but who maintain these myths for some particular reason because they think there is some sort of advantage in doing so. We learned this at the Paris talks when Exxon effectively said ‘We’ve understood the science for years. It’s been a war to protect our vested interests since then'”.

It’s not only about climate. Watch Dr Ken Harvey, adjunct Associate Professor in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University. Dr Harvey is a passionate advocate for evidence-based policy on public health issues. Throughout his career, he has spoken out against deceptive practices used by business interests to sell therapeutic products. He works with Friends of Science in Medicine and Choice Magazine and other groups.

Futher Details

According to the media statement, confirmed speakers for the Melbourne march include:

• Professor Fiona Stanley – epidemiologist, medical researcher, founding director of the Telethon Kids Institute and Australian of the Year (2003)
• Professor Peter Doherty AC – immunologist, author, Nobel Prize winner and Australian of the Year (1997)
• Hon Dr Barry Jones AC – former Australian science minister, author, and living treasure
• Upulie Divisekera – scientist, science communicator, PhD student in nanotechnology and vocal advocate for science and diversity in science
• Dr Sherry Mayo – CSIRO research scientist with extensive experience in different aspects of x-ray science
• Dr Penny Whetton – CSIRO research scientist and IPCC author with extensive experience in climate science
• Professor Terry Speed – Laboratory head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

Dr Jones said Australia’s marches are aimed at highlighting the need for stable investment in science, a commitment to achieving higher levels of scientific literacy through education, open communication of scientific findings, and public policy to be guided by evidence.

“Science is the best way to find real facts and reject alternative ones,” Dr Jones said. “We all desperately need much more rational debates on complex issues like climate change, environment and health. Unfortunately many of today’s politicians don’t respect science and that has to change – for the future of our nation and the future of our world.”

Ms Kate Ferris, one of the event organisers, invited all Melburnians to attend and participate, “Our speakers come from diverse backgrounds with a range of different views, each giving their personal perspective on why science is so important for our standard of living,” Ms Ferris said. “We’ve done this because this event isn’t just for scientists, it is for everyone who understands the importance of science in our daily lives.”

Entry filed under: Event, news, rallies & protests.