Students around the world cut class to demand action on climate change

16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg marches during a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019. 

The worldwide protests were inspired by Thunberg, who camped out in front of parliament in Stockholm last year to demand action from world leaders on global warming.

Scientists say fossil fuel use releases greenhouse gases that trap heat and lift global temperatures, bringing more floods, droughts, heatwaves and rising sea levels.

The 2015 Paris climate conference pledged to keep the increase in global average temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius (35 F) above pre-industrial levels which would require a radical cutback in use of coal and fossil fuels.

Students gather outside the Parliament in Edinburgh. 

Young demonstrators climb on a statue in central London. 

Students stage a protest in front of the Duomo. 

Students chant during a march in Nairobi. 

The global movement was organized on social media with the hashtag #FridaysForFuture.

Students march in Cape Town. 

Experts say Africa, with its population of more than 1 billion people, is expected to be hardest hit by global warming even though it contributes least to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause it.

Students strike for action in front of government buildings in Kiev. 

Scientists have backed the protests, with thousands signing petitions in support of the students in Britain, Finland, Germany and the United States.

Students protest in Hyderabad. 

A protester at left carries a sign that reads "You have overslept. We are the alarm clock!"

Students march in Tokyo. 

Demonstrators block traffic. 

Young demonstrators near the Pantheon. 

Climate strikes: U.S. students skipping school as part of global action