More than 50 Haines residents and seven dogs gathered for Haines’ March for Science on Earth Day Saturday, carrying signs in support of science and the role it plays in daily life.
“Atoms Matter,” “Science sí alternative facts – No (Duh!),” and “Science not Silence – Science for the Common Good” were a few of the sentiments held high.
The march, in conjunction with about 600 others worldwide, was a part of Haines’ Earth Day celebrations sponsored by Haines Friends of Recycling, but largely organized by Pam Randles.
“There are so many things we wouldn’t have if not for science, like clothes, technology and food, and we need to celebrate that,” Randles said. “We need to publicize that fake news is not fact. We need to base things on things that are real.”
Randles said the march was meant to raise awareness locally for science and what it provides.
The March for Science website described the event as “the first step of a global movement to defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies, and governments. Science, scientists, and evidence-based policymaking are under attack. Budget cuts, censorship of researchers, disappearing datasets, and threats to dismantle government agencies harm us all, putting our health, food, air, water, climate, and jobs at risk. It is time for people who support science to take a public stand and be counted.”
Randles led the march and thanked participants for coming to support science. The march started at Third Avenue and Main Street, made its way down Main to Second Avenue to the Haines Highway and back up Third.
Retired teacher Ellen Larson said she marched because science is important and worth funding. It provides necessary research and deserves awareness. “Science is part of everything. If you turn a cold shoulder on science, you turn a cold shoulder on living.”
“Especially now, we’re living in a whole other reality. We need to get back to truth (through science),” said Katey Palmer.