Thousands gather for science rally

Protesters bemoan US funding cuts and call for action on climate change

WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of scientists and their supporters took to the streets in Washington and around the world on Saturday to protest against what organizers described as an "alarming" anti-science trend.

The main March for Science event was held in the United States capital, where thousands of scientists, engineers, teachers, students, parents and children defied pouring rain to gather at the National Mall to hear high-profile speakers who declared science under attack and called on politicians to respect facts.