25 Remarkable Photos From The Global Climate March

Thousands of demonstrators around the world participated in the Global Climate March on Sunday. A handful of key cities, including London and Madrid, had specific goals in mind as they took to the streets. All protests were a means to urge countries attending Paris' COP21 climate change conference to commit to reducing carbon emissions and focusing on developing more green energy options that won't negatively impact the environment. Photos from the Global Climate March depict colorful demonstrations and world solidarity in the face of global warming.

The COP21, which starts on Monday and lasts until Dec. 11, is being presented by the United Nations as a means for countries to convene and unite in battling the threat of global warming. One of the primary goals at the COP21 conference is to prevent the earth's temperature from rising so rapidly, as the planet's temperature has risen an average of 0.85 degrees Celsius between 1880 and 2012. Details surrounding a potential climate agreement have yet to be revealed. Around 147 important government officials from around the world will be participating in the conference, to be held in Paris. Due to the city still being in a state of emergency, heightened security measures have been implemented, including extra border checks and an elevated police presence.

Berlin

Germany's capital city turned their climate march into a bit of a festival, offering music, food, and roving art installations. As with larger cities like London, the Berlin climate march featured a heavy advocacy presence from organizations like Avaaz, Greenpeace, and the World Wildlife Foundation.

Rio de Janeiro

Though Rio de Janeiro was not one of Global Climate March's key cities, demonstrators nonetheless made an impressive showing in the massive seaside city. Protesters appeared as if they were covered in oil to denote the constant environmental risk of offshore drilling.

Madrid

Approximately 20,000 demonstrators reportedly took to the streets of Madrid on Sunday, echoing the sentiments of thousands to end CO2 emissions as well as further impact the important COP21 conference to take place in Paris on Monday. Spain is one of the most progressive countries regarding responses to climate change and formally adopted an adaptation plan last year to address concerns of global warming.

France

Due to heightened security measures, demonstrators in Paris were not allowed to convene for the Global Climate March. Instead, many left their shoes as a sign of solidarity for those who marched across the globe on Sunday. This didn't stop some protesters from taking to the streets. French police have reportedly made around 175 arrests and riot police were deployed to get the crowd to disperse.

UK & Ireland

About 50,000 people reportedly participated in London's climate march, along with thousands in Dublin, Bristol, and Belfast, among many other cities in the U.K. Many advocacy groups and nonprofits made their presences known, including Oxfam and Friends of the Earth. The specific focus of the London protest was climate justice and climate jobs. Demonstrators are seeking a firm commitment from participating COP21 countries to cut emissions, as well as seeking green energy jobs in the U.K.

Beirut

One of the most powerful images of the Global Climate March came from a crowd of hundreds that marched in Beirut. Despite the recent bombings in Lebanon's capital city, demonstrators braved the rain and took to the streets to call for affordable, green energy and clean water for all.

Zurich

Zurich was one of the few places to hold their Climate March on Saturday rather than Sunday. The afternoon event offered up free tea and soup to those who attended. Though crowds may not have been as massive as in other cities, a photo of activists arranged to form a heart has spread across social media as a message of love and unity in the face of global warming.