On Saturday March 24th, Earth day, hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown Columbus holding signs in demonstration attempting to call attention to the environment and the need to protect the earth.  The march began at the Ohio State House and the participants marched down to the Columbus commons around 11:30 where more events were held throughout the day and into the evening.  “There were a lot of young people there, I was surprised” said Hannah Moulton, a Senior at Thomas Worthington who attended the rally, “There were lots of little kids everywhere.” This march in Columbus was one of over 500 science marches that took place all over the country on earth day.  The largest was held in Washington DC where people from all over the country traveled this past weekend.

This march was undoubtedly the largest science march that has been held on earth day in the US.  In the past there may have been a few demonstrations to call attention to the ever worsening climate change problem but nothing of this size.  The reason for this may be the election of a president who doesn’t believe in climate change and the revelation of his budget which removes a large amount of funding from the Environmental Protection Agency. The bipartisan event was not exclusive to one party but was an open event to all those in support of the protection of the environment.  “Scientists find it appalling that evidence has been crowded out by ideological assertions. It is not just about Donald Trump, but there is also no question that marchers are saying ‘when the shoe fits.’” said Rush Holt, a former physicist and Democratic congressman.  Holt also runs the American Association for the Advancement of Science which had a goal to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.”  No matter the reason for the sudden increase in concern and willingness to demonstrate for the environment, it is clear that science cannot be ignored and we must work together to protect our planet.