“Carbon Bubble” Bursts onto Scene at Yonge-Dundas Square

For release - Tuesday April 1st, 2014

Toronto350.org takes action as part of cross-Canada Day of Action on Climate Change

Toronto, ON – This morning, organizers with Toronto350.org will inflate a mock carbon bubble in Dundas Square to call attention to the reality of fossil fuel development in Canada. Part of Fossil Fools Day, the action is one of over a dozen that will take place across Canada today.

“Climate change is not a joke, but the plans of the fossil fuel industry in Canada are ridiculous,” said Media Director Flavius Georgescu. “From climate change to the direct impact that extreme energy has on communities, the plans are beyond foolish, they’re ridiculous.”

Organizers point to the growing consensus, including the recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change fifth assessment report, on the need to respect our “carbon budget” and leave at least 80% of known fossil fuels in the ground.

“With most of the fossil fuels in Canada in high carbon fuels like tar sands, we need to be taking bold action to get off dirty energy,” said Stuart Basden, Toronto350.org President. “Instead we have an industry and government bent on digging up every last drop, that’s what makes them Fossil Fools.”

Fossil Fools Day comes on the heels of PowerShift Atlantic, a massive climate justice summit in Halifax, in which hundreds of youth took part. Bringing together youth from across the region, a special emphasis was placed on connecting those living on the front-lines of climate change and extraction.

“The reality is that most people aren’t forced to deal with the reality of tar sands or fracking in their daily lives,” said Monica Resendes, Vice President. “That’s why we’ve brought it here, to show the impacts that these projects are having in the backyards of First Nations and other communities across Canada.”

One of the largest days of action of its kind, organizers are also pointing to Fossil Fools Day as a sign of growing momentum in the youth climate movement.

“Fossil fools and PowerShift both show one thing, that young people and others are ready to stand up for our generation and our future against irresponsible, dangerous energy projects,” said Cameron Fenton, National Director of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition.

Toronto350.org is a local group that is part of the global 350.org network, which has a presence in over 180 countries around the world. “350” stands for 350 parts per million, the safe upper limit of carbon in the atmosphere.