World-wide marches call attention to climate change ahead of UN summit

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- From Hollywood, to New York, to London, and all across the world, activists took park in marches on Sunday to bring attention to global warming.

They wanted to make their voices heard to raise awareness for climate change and to demand that world leaders take action.

They marched by the tens of thousands through the streets of New York and the heart of London, Berlin and Rio de Janeiro, in a worldwide effort warning that climate change is destroying our planet.

Here at home, there was a smaller showing in Hollywood, but with the same larger concerns.

"There has to be rapid, quick action, because pretty soon if we don't take action now, it'll be irreversible. The effects of global climate change will be irreversible," said L.A. march organizer Joe Hancock.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was among the marchers in New York

"I am overwhelmed by such a strong power and energy and voice of people," he said.

The world-wide marches coincide with the United Nations Climate Summit starting Tuesday, when more than 120 world leaders will gather in New York to push for a global climate treaty by next year, one aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing use of renewable energy.

President Barack Obama is set to speak at the climate summit, as is Gov. Jerry Brown.