A rally at the RBC on Yonge marked Fossil Fools Day on April 1 in Newmarket.
The demonstrations took place at RBC locations across the country to protest the financial institution's financing of fossil fuel projects, including the Coastal GasLink Pipeline in British Columbia and Trans Mountain pipeline.
Fossil Fools Day intentionally takes place on April Fools Day, April 1, and aims to raise awareness about environmental concerns as a result of the burning of fossil fuels and to create awareness about alternative energy sources. Although they are a cheap and available source of energy, fossil fuels emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is hazardous to the environment.
Fossil Fools Day launched in 2004 when Canadian and American university and high school students played strategic April Fools pranks centred around climate change and the dangers resulting from fossil fuel production and emission, including a mock oil spill at a public fountain, and meandering an inflatable black pipe through the streets as a way of opposing the proposed oil pipeline between the U.S. and Canada.
The demonstrations pointed fingers at major carbon emitters, like the CEOs of oil and natural gas companies, government leaders, and legislators who push for drilling projects, construction of pipelines, and fracking.
Ultimately, protesters are encouraging all citizens to do their part to reduce their impact on their environment, including lifestyle changes like riding bikes instead of driving vehicles, reducing screen time, using solar-powered lights, and cooking with wind energy.
