In April, the author attended a significant “Hands Off” protest in Tucson, protesting against Donald Trump’s second term. The event featured many participants, including scientists affected by cuts from various federal agencies like the NIH and EPA. The protest underscored the belief that “Science is not an alternative fact.”
Despite a historical tendency for scientists to avoid activism for fear of compromising their objectivity, a shift towards engagement has been noted in recent years, especially in light of urgent societal issues like climate change. Activist scientists have played pivotal roles in shaping public opinion and policy in the past, such as during the environmental movements of the 1960s and 70s.
Research suggests that many scientists now feel it is their duty to be politically active, particularly younger scientists who utilize social media. The article also highlights recent drastic staffing cuts in climate research, which threaten vital preparations for climate-related disasters.
In response, a group of activist scientists pledged to continue crucial work on the National Climate Assessment, emphasizing the urgency of scientific integrity in the face of an “anti-science” political environment. The article concludes by stressing the importance of combining activism and science to address the climate crisis effectively.
