Global climate march: Thousands set to show support for UN deal

Organisers say over 2,300 events are planned worldwide to push countries to strike a strong climate deal in Paris

The 2014 People's Climate March in New York gave "a glimpse of a far more urgent, motivated climate justice movement" say experts (Pic: Flickr/South Bend Voice)

The 2014 People’s Climate March in New York gave “a glimpse of a far more urgent, motivated climate justice movement” say experts (Pic: Flickr/South Bend Voice)

By Alex Pashley

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to march around the world this weekend to pressure 195 nations to sign a global warming accord in two weeks.

Over 2,300 events are planned in more than 150 countries on November 28 and 29, according to campaign group Avaaz. Those include meditation classes, public concerts and cycling events.

After the French government cancelled a huge demonstration in Paris over security fears, campaigners are hoping for big turnouts in London, New York and Mumbai to send a strong signal to delegates in Paris.

“There has never been a greater need for Global Climate Marches throughout the rest of the world, and they will continue as planned,” reads campaign group 350’s website.

“Love will win out over fear, and our movement will win over injustice.We encourage everyone around the world to join a Global Climate March and raise their voices louder than ever.”

On Monday, 147 world leaders including Barack Obama and Xi Jinping will attend the opening day of the 21st Conference of the Parties, or ‘COP21’.

The weekend kicked off in Australia on Friday with 60,000 reportedly taking to the streets in Melbourne.

Read more on: COP21 | UN climate talks