Science is a force for good -- walk with us

British mathematician and historian of science, Jacob Bronowski, once said "Science is the acceptance of what works and the rejection of what does not." Then he went on to caution, "That needs more courage than we might think." Bronowski, who is best remembered as the presenter and writer of the BBC television documentary series, The Ascent of Man, wrote about this courageous heavy lift of accepting what works well before climate change and the partisan divide of today. When 97 percent of actively publishing climate scientists agree that climate-warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities, then that should be enough to accept what works. This is the basis of science. This is what we're losing touch with when far right Republicans politicize science to the extent that they have on climate change.

The basis of science gets corrupted when those (Koch Industries, Exxon Mobil) who fund a sustained climate denial campaign come into power and openly and aggressively challenge the science — all the way from appointing a climate denier as EPA administrator to the low level of removing citations from federally posted scientific papers. If this isn't putting politics above the basis of science, then I don't know what is.

[President's view of research casts shadow over Alaska marine science conference]

Science, like truth, is to be valued above politics, not brought down by politics. When science is valued above politics society benefits. Take for example what science has done to better the lives of Alaskans. The fields of geology and sonar engineering lead to discovery and development of oil and gas prospects. The science behind navigation and satellite telemetry guides our ferries, keeps our airplane flights safe, and brings us food and tourists through our waterways and airways. Then we have the fisheries scientists of the Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service making Alaska's sustainably managed fisheries the envy of the world.

What unites us is this recognition that science is everywhere and affects everyone. As Alaskans we can no more embrace the science of geology than we can disregard the science of climate change. You embrace one for the sake of oil, you get the other. It's that simple. From oil production to fisheries, to our communities, science has been a force of good for Alaska, the United States, and the world.

Science as a force for good, a benefit to society, is what Saturday's Science March wants to celebrate and call attention to; however, it cannot do so in a political vacuum ignoring the degree to which conservative Republicans have politicized climate science. I find it ironic that it will take marching in the streets which by its very nature is seen as political to restore science to its rightful place, of putting evidence over ideology. One of the basic laws of physics is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Despite the politics, it's time to be that opposite reaction — the reaction that recognizes and honors the commitment of scientists to search for the underlying truth of how our world operates. Scientists who clearly state their questions, propose possible answers, and then rigorously test to find out the answers are the best fit for society.

[A march for science steps into the unknown]

Environmental ethicist Kathleen Dean Moore, who has a doctorate in philosophy, says when talking to climate scientists, "Not taking action is taking action — in favor of the present course of history." Noting that scientists still have their rights as citizens, Moore implores them to be engaged — "It is impossible to sit this one out when sitting it out is a political statement."

Because science helps you every day in your community, in your life and in your home don't sit this march out. You need not weigh in on climate science. You can just come and be part of this vital recognition of science as a force for good.  There are 518 satellite marches planned around the world (from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Reykjavik, Iceland) and across all the states, from Montgomery, Alabama, to Tok, Alaska. Join me on April 22 for the March for Science, Anchorage by gathering at the Delaney Park Strip at the E Street intersection at 10 a.m. and then proceeding to C Street for Anchorage Museum Earth Day Fest that goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kate Troll, although holding a science degree, does not speak for the organizers of the Anchorage Science March. These views are her own and come from having over 22 years' experience in fisheries, coastal management and energy policy. She is also the author of "The Great Unconformity: Reflections on Hope in an Imperiled World."

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