Fossil Fools Day

Fossil Fools Day
Date1 April
Next time1 April 2026 (2026-04-01)
Frequencyannual

Fossil Fools Day is an environmental demonstration day on April 1 annually. The name is a play on the term fossil fuels and April Fools' Day.

Fossil Fools Day began in 2004 with coordinated actions across American and Canadian high schools and universities where they played over 125 coordinated April Fools' Day pranks centered around the dangers from using and harvesting fossil fuels. One prank included a mock oil spill in a public fountain. Subsequent Fossil Fools Days have been held in many cities around the world, and are generally organized by one or more environmental organizations with funding from Energy Action Coalition and Rising Tide. These events oppose energy derived from fossil fuels, promote education about alternative sources of energy, and encourage support for climate justice, strong legislation, corporate responsibility and a clean renewable energy future. Protests may also encourage citizens to do their part with lifestyle changes such as riding bikes, reducing electricity usage, and investing in solar or wind energy for their homes.