Protesters justified blocking major intersections around Washington, D.C., on Monday by claiming their intention was to raise awareness about climate change and call American politicians to take action.

The event, called “Shut Down DC,” saw hundreds of people stop traffic during rush hour in the nation’s capital. At one intersection near bustling Union Station, the activists threw confetti and danced in the middle of the road, leading some to question how causing cars to idle for long periods of time in any way helped the environment.