ECO Blog: Fossil Fools Day

Fossil Fools Day is an annual environmental campaign that coincides with April Fools' Day. It aims to raise awareness of the hazards caused by harvesting, processing and utilizing fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels are fuels that are formed by natural processes and therefore contain high percentage of carbon. The most commonly used fossil fuels are natural gas, petroleum, and carbon. Fossil fuels are primary sources of energy, but their use causes serious environmental issues such as increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, air pollution, etc.

The first Fossil Fools Day was held in 2004 across the United States and Canada. It comprised over 125 actions coordinated by various environmental organizations. The name of the event is a play on April Fool's Day and the term “fossil fuel”. It was launched to raise awareness of the environmental concerns raised by the use of fossil fuels, promote alternative energy sources and technologies, and encourage support for a clean renewable energy future.

Fossil Fools Day events are organised by environmental organisations across the world.