'People's Climate March' Taking Place In Austin This Saturday To Defend Science

AUSTIN, TX — If you missed last weekend's local version of the "March for Science," worry not. This Saturday, the "People's Climate March" is scheduled to showcase scientifically sound evidence informing on the phenomenon of climactic change.

Incidentally, Austin broke a new record for high temperature today, reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit. We're just sayin'.

On April 22, the local version of the "March for Science" took place, one of several such gatherings nationally designed to support the use of scientific data in political dialogue in a time when some politicians dismiss the tactic when it counters their partisan positions. This Saturday offers a reprise of sorts: The "People's Climate March," also designed to defend science.

Officials with the U.S.-based civic organization Avaaz sent out an advisory alerting to the planned March organized by 350 Austin, a volunteer-driven local group focusing on climate change issues. Organizers invite would-be participants to gather at the Austin 350 table at the march site, pick up a sign and participate in the march.

"Now it is time for all of us to fill the streets to defend all of life," Avaaz officials wrote in an email. "Climate change is not a distant threat – it is happening now. And if we don’t act now to shut down the emission of greenhouse gases, it will soon be too late."

The group offers downloadable signs those wishing to participate can print out. A link for that is accessible by clicking here. Like the past "March for Science," the fountainhead of the upcoming "People's Climate March" will be in Washington, D.C. A list of sister marches throughout the country can be seen by clicking here.

Here's a sampling of those downloadable posters:

While the event is meant to showcase scientific data independent of partisanship, politics is inherent to the discussion that led to its creation. Decisions affecting the plant are being made by politicians dismissive of scientific evidence as a tactic of their political machinations, Avaaz officials said.

"From coral reef die-offs to worsening wildfires across the American west, climate change tipping points are breaking out all around us," officials said. "But in the new upside down world in Washington, a former Exxon Mobil CEO runs the country’s foreign policy, and a climate denier runs the EPA. This. Is. Not. Normal! The science, our common sense, and our love of country demand we don't let the fossil fuel industry swallow up our democracy and completely cook the planet."

The reference to the Mobil CEO is now-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, a key figure in the administration of Donald Trump.

Somewhat related story: We're Just The Messenger: 60 Percent Chance Of Scattered Showers On Saturday For Austin Region

In a separate advisory, Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced his plans to participate. He'll be joined by Janis Bookout, outreach manager for Earth Day Austin and co-founder of 2020 or Bust; Brittany Fley, a member of the Green is the New Black student group at Huston-Tillotson University; Jessica Herrera, media specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity; and Vikki Avaregan, a registered nurse.

Organizers provided details for would-be participants:

What: 350 Austin is taking part in the global climate mobilization – the People’s Climate March
When: Saturday, April 29 at 1:00 pm – rain or shine
Where: South steps of the Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress – meet at the 350 Austin table
Transportation & Parking:

• Walk or bike. If you don't own a bicycle, rent one.
• Take public transit (bus/rail)
• Carpool using this great resource
• Parking: Capitol Visitors Garage (1201 San Jacinto); parking on the streets; nearby garages

Bring: Rain gear; reusable water bottle.

Organizers previously sent out a call for volunteers to help collect signatures on a petition compelling members of the Austin City Council to move the city to 100% renewables sooner. To help, look for the Climate March table or complete this volunteer form.

The march will take place come rain or come shine, organizers said. There is a now a 60 percent chance of scattered showers being forecast in the area on Saturday (a prediction also based on available science), so participants might want to tote their umbrellas or carry their rain ponchos just in case.

>>> Photo via Public Citizen Texas