Skull on a fenceSkull on a fence

Today tens of thousands of people are Marching for Science on Earth Day around the globe. The scientists who are marching are from many different fields and non-scientists have joined them to tell how science has made their lives better or even saved their lives.

From Brisbane Australia, Europe, Asia to Washington D.C, in 44 countries and 600 other locations all over the world people are marching for science today.

Why?

They are marching for clean air. They are marching to protect this planet from numerous threats, from pesticides that are poisoning our children to climate change.

They are marching for medical research because they can save lives. If you have taken something as simple as aspirin or had something as complex as chemotherapy you have benefited from science. Broken leg and an x-ray? That is thanks to science too. Blood transfusion? Again, thanks to science.

They are marching because our lives depend on it. They are marching to defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies and governments.

Because of science we have cell phones, televisions, safe, abundant foods to eat, space exploration, oceanic exploration, electricity, heating, air conditioning, cancer treatments, medicines, drinkable water, beer, coffee, wine, chocolate, paper, tools, plumbing, microwaves, trains, planes, drones, cameras, CT scanners, asphalt, insulin, heart pumps, computers, gun powder and so, so much more.

Literally every day our lives are touched and made better because of science, the scientists, their research and the hard work they do.

Why did I pick an animal skull hung on a fence with dry grasses in the background for my featured photo today? Because it represents what is already happening in some parts of the world due to climate change and drought. The photo isn’t pretty, it isn’t meant to be.

I stand for Science, Science is real. I would not be here without it.

Mia