On April 22, demonstrators of all ages in St. Petersburg joined the efforts of over 600 cities across the world by taking part in the “March for
Science.” They marched the streets of downtown St. Pete in protest of the negligent actions of politicians who refuse to accept any scientific evidence that opposes the interests of themselves and their corporate donors.
Progressive-minded citizens have long been expressing dire concerns over the nature of a global political economy that promulgates irresponsible economic behavior which has been proven to have serious adverse effects on the natural environment. Despite a growing consensus in the scientific community that climate change is a very real phenomenon with very real human causes and also feasible human solutions, politicians have shown their true colors by selling out to destructive corporate interests at the expense of the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants.
With the reactionary Trump administration in the White House, even the little progress that has been made in terms of implementing policies to protect the environment is now in grave danger of being reversed. Trump and his minions have consistently neglected the immense scientific evidence that points to the culpability of humans in the existence of climate change, which Trump has called a “hoax.” A denier of climate change now even heads the EPA, an agency which Trump has threatened to disband.
Liberation speaks with participants in March for Science
“I don’t see any [environmentally sustainable policies] being implemented right now. I see the opposite,” said Gale Freeman, an organizer for the “People’s Climate Movement” and a participant in the March for Science. “At the bare minimum, we need to be continuing the actions the Obama
administration set in motion like the Paris climate agreement and the promotion of clean energy. But that’s just a start.”
Following a performance in Poynter Park by activist and Hip-Hop artist Pedro el Poeta as well as several talks by professors, researchers, and local politicians about the importance of acknowledging science in today’s political sphere, several hundred protesters set out from the park, marching up 3rd Street. As the march started, one demonstrator played a tune on her bagpipes. Marching for over a mile, protesters held signs with phrases like “Planet before profit” and “Yes to science. No to alt-facts.” Protesters also engaged in chants such as “Science is welcome here!” and “Science saves lives!”
When asked what motivated her to join the march, one demonstrator named Catherine Bylsma replied, “I teach science. Both my boys are in science fields.” Bylsma, who teaches in Pascal County Schools, stated that she thought addressing issues facing science and the environment will require grassroots organizing. “It’s a mindset,” she said.
Protester Greg Stem expressed a grievous concern over the carelessness of the government in its approach to environmentally sustainable policy. “From our current government, I don’t see any policy at all,” he said. “In fact, I see it as backwards. And that’s at a state and federal level which concerns me a lot.” Stem believes the government has exhibited “a general, overall denial of science.” He also said, “I have marched for a lot of things over the years, but I never thought science would have to be one of them.”
Based on the general attitude of the marchers, it is clear that the government has failed the people in addressing their concerns over the ruling class’ blind and reckless pursuit of endless profits which has and continues to engender climate change and serious environmental degradation. The earth is not yet beyond the point of saving, but it is long past time that politicians acknowledge the validity of science and take the proper measures to protect our precious earth from the destructiveness of capitalism. Until that time, progressives must continue to express their solidarity with the environmental movement, upholding the importance of scientific research in achieving a harmonious and sustainable planet.
