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Thousands expected to march on Earth Day in Los Angeles to support science

Xinhua, April 22, 2017 Adjust font size:

Thousands of scientists and science lovers are expected to take to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Earth Day in support of science, fact-based research and the importance of science in policy-making.

The March for Science Los Angeles on Saturday is one of more than 500 such events being held around the world. In California, marches will occur in more than 40 places.

In Los Angeles area, a variety of speeches, community education events and musical performances are planned.

High-profile speakers include "the Earthquake Lady" celebrity seismologist Lucy Jones, billionaire climate change activist Tom Steyer and Oscar-nominated "Hidden Figures" screenwriter Allison Schroeder, according to local media reports.

"I am marching tomorrow because reality matters and it doesn't care if you believe in it," Jones tweeted on Friday.

Many prominent science groups have endorsed the march, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Chemical Society and the American Geophysical Union. The leading scientific journal Nature also recently published a supportive editorial.

"The March for Science is a unique opportunity to communicate the importance, value, and beauty of science, showcasing efforts to increase public support for science and highlighting the conditions necessary for science to thrive," Rush Holt, AAAS chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We encourage AAAS members and affiliated organizations to 'be a force for science' by participating in the March for Science and making it positive, non-partisan, inclusive, and diverse."

The science marches come on the 47th anniversary of Earth Day. The website of March for Science describes it as "the first step of a global movement to defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies and governments." Endit