Scientists to oppose Donald Trump in huge ‘March for Science’ in Washington

The demonstration will be in opposition to the administration’s plans to delete climate change data and gag scientists

Greenpeace protesters unfold a banner reading 'Resist' from atop a construction crane behind the White House January 25, 2017 in Washington, DC (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Scientists are going to march on the White House to try and force Donald Trump to recognise climate change.

Following the Women’s Marches held around the world on the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration – and widely thought to be the biggest mobilisation in the history of the US – various groups are now organising a “March for Science”. Tens of thousands of people have indicated that they will attend the protest, which is set to happen both in Washington DC and across the United States.

The event will not be restricted specifically to scientists but to “anyone who values empirical science”, and not specifically to professional scientists.

The group behind it intends to announce a date and a platform as soon as it can, and is expected to do so before the end of the month. Until then, it encourages supporters to sign up on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter and through email to receive updates on the plans.

The group says that the protest is being launched in response to the Trump administrations denial of climate change. As well as leading to an energy policy focused primarily on fossil fuels, the government has looked to shut down and silence the national organisations that track the effects of climate change and global warming.

“There are certain things that we accept as facts with no alternatives,” those behind the march write on the “Scientists March on Washington” page. “The Earth is becoming warmer due to human action. The diversity of life arose by evolution.

“Politicians who devalue expertise risk making decisions that do not reflect reality and must be held accountable. An American government that ignores science to pursue ideological agendas endangers the world.”