In this op-ed, David Lodge — conservation biologist and director of the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future at Cornell University — and Jane Mendle — associate professor in the Department of Human Development at Cornell University and a Public Voices Fellow — share their views on Trump's actions regarding the EPA and USDA.

Have you ever felt like you’re talking and not being heard? Even though what you have to say is really important? That’s how our country’s scientists felt when the federal government issued gag orders earlier this month on employees at the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture. Government agencies often receive careful instructions about communicating with the media and the public during the change from one administration to the next. But many scientists believe these gag orders went beyond the usual new administration protocol, and mainly targeted agencies and government websites that deal with the environment. Scientists generally prefer to be in the lab than the limelight, but some are now planning a march on Washington, D.C. to protect and promote the role of science in democracy.

Much of life is powered by science. When you drink a cup of water, when you turn on a light, when you go to the doctor, when you text your friends — these are daily acts that depend on scientific discovery. But so do the greater challenges we face as a society: How do we feed a planet that is expected to reach a global population of 9 billion by 2050? How do we sustainably power that planet? It is scientists who are working every day in the lab, in the field, and on the ground to solve these problems for us.

Without accurate scientific knowledge, responsible decision-making about our country’s future is nearly impossible. Imagine going to a new dentist for a check-up. As you sit in the chair, the dentist casually mentions that he doesn’t believe that sugar causes cavities. Would you trust him? What if he sent you home without a new toothbrush, floss, or any advice, because he’s not really sure if cavities exist at all? Would you brush your teeth anyway?

Now imagine that your new dentist does, in fact, know cavities can be a problem but has been told not to share that information with you. This is the exact scenario happening on a larger scale, but it is the future of human welfare and not incisors at stake. Many scientists have discovered evidence that some planetary changes are self-accelerating—making it more likely that megadroughts, catastrophic weather events, and extinction of species will occur more rapidly and more often. In addition, many scientists feel they have a moral and ethical responsibility to share what they know. How else can we make responsible decisions for the future?

In addition to gag orders, many scientists have wondered whether there will be changes in grant funding to conduct new research studies. Right now, the federal government is one of the biggest suppliers of funding for scientific research. It is unclear if the current level of support will continue under the new administration. Not being able to conduct new research would be a problem for all scientists, but would come at an especially delicate time for women researchers. For so long, girls and women have been underrepresented in science, math, technology, and engineering fields. Forty years ago, it was almost impossible for women to have a career in these areas. But over 70% of degrees awarded in the life and social sciences in the past 10 years have been to women! As exciting as this is, life and social sciences (like biology, environmental science, psychology, and neuroscience) are exactly the areas that are most likely to be influenced by any funding cuts that may happen in the next few years. In other words, women scientists might find their careers disproportionately affected by these government changes. Grant funding is serious because grants don’t just help scientists. Grants create new jobs. They make it possible for students to do internships, supply university laboratories with needed materials, and enable thousands of people to get graduate degrees without taking out any loans. If you are a college-bound teen, interested in a career in medicine, psychology, computing, economics, or environmental science, reduced grant funding can limit your career opportunities, too. Will you be able to get the internships you need during college? Will there be money to support you going to graduate school without taking out loans?

Believe it or not, you can play a role in making sure we have a “science-safe” future. Stay informed, be sure you know what’s going on, get involved with local and national groups that advocate for science, and remember that your voice matters. Talk to your friends, family, and teachers about these changes and write your congressperson. Remember: some scientists may be under gag orders, but you certainly are not.

Related: Dear Future President: 3 Youth Activists on Climate Change

Check this out: