March for Science in San Antonio gears up for third year

(April 5, 2019) -- The third annual March for Science San Antonio will begin at UTSA’s Downtown Campus on Saturday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m. The March route will take participants to the rally point at the steps of City Council Chambers at Main Plaza. 

This year’s march supports scientific research and education, while focusing on climate science and San Antonio’s first Climate Action and Adaption Plan (CAAP). UTSA has been a contributor to the plan’s development. Hatim Sharif, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and his team calculated the climate projections for San Antonio. These projections helped CAAP decision-makers understand how San Antonio’s climate will change in the coming decades. The goals of the marches and rallies are to emphasize that science upholds the common good and to call for evidence-based policy in the public's best interest.

In addition to the scientific guidance, a team led by John Murphy, dean of the UTSA College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, which included Lindsay Ratcliffe, lecturer in the Writing Core Program and Garrett Burleson, LEED Green Associate and Master of Architecture student, supported the policy process. This team assisted City of San Antonio staff by processing survey data, developing CAAP communications materials, engaging with the public at open houses and taking minutes at public meetings.

“UTSA did the science that made the CAAP policy recommendations possible, so it is fitting that the march begins at UTSA," said Ratcliffe, whose service efforts on the CAAP align with her doctoral work in climate change communication. “I’m proud to be marching for science with the UTSA community on April 6.” 

March for Science SA is a local non-governmental organization providing support for science education, scientific university research, and STEM education. It advocates for science-based public policy.

The event, formerly known as the Scientists' March on Washington, is an international series of rallies and usually held in April. The inaugural march was held on April 22, 2017 in Washington, D.C., and more than 600 other cities across the world with an estimated combined global attendance of over one million participants.

The San Antonio march will provide science exhibits, booths, music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and much more. The rally speakers at the Main Plaza will include Mayor Ron Nirenberg, climate scientist Gunnar Schade, San Antonio District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval and high school student Matthew Su, the executive director of Ignition Green, Students for Climate Awareness.

Marchers should arrive at the Bill Miller Plaza between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Parking is available in UTSA lots in Employee A, Employee B and Student unmarked commuter spaces. Those with parking passes can park according to their assigned passes.

There are several ways to support the March for Science. Volunteers are needed to prepare for and to coordinate the events at Main Plaza and Bill Miller Plaza. Before the march, volunteers can help with making posters, phone banking and other outreach for the event. On the day of the march, people can set up and break down tables and chairs, guide guests around the event, assist with parking, coordinate volunteers, help clean up, and livestream/video record the event to share it with followers and friends.

— Melissa May

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