As you probably know, there has been a dramatic increase in political protests since the election. So far, people have banded together to peacefully protest everything from the immigration ban, to the government's complete disregard for women's rights. This past weekend, on Earth Day, thousands upon thousands of people took to the streets to defend the right to practice science.

Since 45's inauguration, we have seen many laws and repeals put into place that threaten scientific institutions in this country. However, this protest proves that not just the members of the United States are affected by anti-environmental laws. This is one subject that threatens not just Americans, but the entire human race, present and future.

Here's the thing: you there is no way to stop climate change at our borders. We can't tell gas emissions and water pollution not to affect other countries. If we leak oil into the oceans or rip more holes in the ozone layer, that will affect every single person on the planet.

This is about more than just childish political power grabs, or winning popularity points with the world's major corporations. It's about more than just making it easier for companies to dispose of toxic waste by tossing it in the nearest stream. It's about more than shooting defenseless wildlife while they hibernate peacefully.

This is about the world as a whole.

Without science, we cannot advance as a species. It has nothing to do with any preconceived notions of country "pride." If we don't work together to fix climate change, there will be no more countries to have pride in.

And this march wasn't just about climate change, although that is a large part of it. However, it's also about ensuring that scientists have access to the tools they need in order to do their jobs. We wouldn't be where we are today without them.

Every single aspect of our lives is affected by one scientific breakthrough or another. We need science to move our lives forward, to keep us alive. We need new breakthroughs in medicine, ecology, and physics.

That's why the March for Science was so much more than just a "political statement." Set aside politics and partisanship for a moment, and just look at the big picture.

The March for Science was a message to world leaders, that no matter how much they try to put down those of us working in scientific fields, we will not stop fighting for the right to leave this planet better than we found it.