Science | Activism | Fake news | Environment
by Alejandra Borunda
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| Rachel Carson, whose book “Silent Spring” played a pivotal role in
catalyzing the modern environmental movement, testifies before a Senate
Government Operations Subcommittee in D.C. on June 4, 1963. (AP Photo) | | | | |
There’s this pervasive idea that science is somehow exempt from the
ugly political world in which the rest of us wallow. But even a
perfunctory look at the history of American science shows that this
hasn’t always been the case—and the circumstances that pushed scientists
into the public sphere in the past aren’t that different from those
scientists are facing today.
Since Trump’s election, many scientists have found themselves in an
unfamiliar position: actively advocating for their work, their jobs, and
the very idea of
free scientific inquiry. Scientists are mobilizing and organizing en masse,
planning marches and
running for office. They’re pushing back on
potential nominees and
boycotting conferences.
Kelly
Ramirez, a microbiologist and one of the founders of the 500 Women
Scientists network, never thought of herself as an activist before. “I
had my head down,” she said. “You do your work, you publish your
papers—it’s not encouraged to take political positions.” But after the
election, she realized that she had to take a more active role. “Now,
it’s a good time to start being louder,” she said.
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