Climate Change Summit: Protesters Take to the Streets in Durban [PHOTOS]
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Durban, South Africa demanding faster action on climate change.
The 6,000 strong crowd marched to Durban's convention centre, where the U.N. climate change conference is currently being held, shouting and chanting against the backdrop of drums.
Protesters were largely frustrated by the stance of nations such as the U.S., Canada and Saudi Arabia for blocking progress on the future of the Kyoto Protocol and failing to show any kind of serious commitment to a new or ongoing global treaty.
In an address to the public and protestors, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres urged everyone to strive to do more.
"Do more. Do more. And when you've done everything you could do, do more."
Climate change committee member Melita Steele urged governments to start listening to people who are asking for action on climate change.
WWF global climate and energy campaign head Sam Smith said governments were not doing their job and that there was a disconnect between what is going on in the climate change conference and the people who were out protesting.
"They [governments] need to reach an agreement that protects our climate, protects people and protects nature," she said.
Greenpeace protesters marched in the crowd carrying signs that read "Listen to the people, not polluters."
The European Union has expressed that it is eager to talk about a new global agreement to start as soon as possible.
It is backed by most of the world's poorest countries and small island states vulnerable to rising sea levels.
But even if resistance from the U.S. and others can be overcome, it is hard to imagine anything being agreed that can start to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions before 2020 - a time at which scientists have said it could be too late.
Meanwhile, India has insisted on continuing with the Kyoto Protocol rather than creating a new climate agreement.
They have made it clear that some of the issues that fell on the map in Cancun need to be brought back, including the issue of equity, trade and intellectual property rights.
To see photos of the protest in Durban, click 'start' to begin the slideshow.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.