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Australia leads climate protests Copenhagen set for climate march
(about 5 hours later)
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Australia as part of global protests to demand action from leaders at UN climate talks in Copenhagen. Thousands of people are gathering to march through Copenhagen as part of global protests to demand action from leaders at UN climate talks there.
Marches took place in Melbourne, Sydney and other cities. Activists also met in Hong Kong, Jakarta and the Philippines. Security has been stepped up along the four-mile (6km) route, with extra police on the streets and security fences put up around some buildings.
The action comes ahead of planned major protests in Copenhagen, where tens of thousands are expected to march 4 miles (6km) to the climate summit venue. BBC correspondents say the protest has been peaceful so far.
Security is tight as environment and climate ministers arrive to join talks. Earlier, thousands joined marches in Australia. Activists also met in Hong Kong, Jakarta and the Philippines.
More than 50 protesters were arrested in the city following a smaller demonstration on Friday. More than 50 protesters were arrested in Copenhagen following a smaller demonstration on Friday.
Organisers say they expect between 60,000 and 80,000 protesters from around the world to join Saturday's march, which is due to leave Christiansborg Castle at 1300 GMT. Organisers say they expect between 60,000 and 80,000 protesters from around the world to join Saturday's march, which was due to leave Christiansborg Castle at 1300 GMT.

COPENHAGEN LATEST

  • A draft deal envisages emission cuts by rich countries of 25-40% from 1990 levels by 2020
  • Cuts promised so far come to 18%
  • The EU has pledged $10.6bn over three years to a proposed $10bn annual fund to help poor countries cope with climate change
  • More than 110 leaders now due to attend last day on 18 December
Updated: 20:30 GMT, 11 December

COPENHAGEN LATEST

  • A draft deal envisages emission cuts by rich countries of 25-40% from 1990 levels by 2020
  • Cuts promised so far come to 18%
  • The EU has pledged $10.6bn over three years to a proposed $10bn annual fund to help poor countries cope with climate change
  • More than 110 leaders now due to attend last day on 18 December
Updated: 20:30 GMT, 11 December
The activists will cross Copenhagen before reaching the conference centre where negotiators and ministers are meeting.
Extra police have been deployed at Denmark's land and sea borders and in the city in a bid to prevent violent far-left groups joining the protest, the AFP news agency reports.
Danish police estimate the crowd will number about 50,000.Danish police estimate the crowd will number about 50,000.
A number of well known figures are planning to join the demonstration, among them Bollywood actor Rahul Bose, model and photographer Helena Christensen and former UN human rights commissioner Mary Robinson. The activists will cross Copenhagen before reaching the conference centre on the outskirts where negotiators and ministers are meeting.
The BBC's Matt McGrath in Copenhagen says the crowd is colourful, with some protesters arriving dressed as polar bears and others draped in blue and green to show their support for the planet.
The activists are arguing for an ambitious, legally binding agreement on emissions cuts to be signed by world leaders at the summit's conclusion at the end of next week.
A number of well known figures were due to join the demonstration, among them Bollywood actor Rahul Bose, model and photographer Helena Christensen and former UN human rights commissioner Mary Robinson.
The environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth also planned to bring demonstrators out on to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday morning.The environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth also planned to bring demonstrators out on to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday morning.
'Safe climate''Safe climate'
In Australia, where events were held as part of the country's fifth Walk Against Warming, the largest protest was held in Melbourne.In Australia, where events were held as part of the country's fifth Walk Against Warming, the largest protest was held in Melbourne.
In pictures: Climate protests
The march closed with protesters spelling out the message "Safe Climate - Do It!" on the ground.The march closed with protesters spelling out the message "Safe Climate - Do It!" on the ground.
Organisers said aerial photographs had been taken and would be sent to delegates at the talks in Copenhagen.Organisers said aerial photographs had been taken and would be sent to delegates at the talks in Copenhagen.
In Adelaide, activist James Dannenberg told state radio: "We want [world leaders] to bring home a treaty, we want them to stand by the Pacific and our neighbours there.In Adelaide, activist James Dannenberg told state radio: "We want [world leaders] to bring home a treaty, we want them to stand by the Pacific and our neighbours there.
"And we want them to deliver and ensure a safe climate future for us all.""And we want them to deliver and ensure a safe climate future for us all."
Thousands of demonstrators also gathered in front of Australia's parliament house in the capital, Canberra.Thousands of demonstrators also gathered in front of Australia's parliament house in the capital, Canberra.
On Friday, European Union leaders agreed a three-year deal to pay 7.2bn euros (£6.5bn; $10.6bn) to help poorer nations cope with climate change.On Friday, European Union leaders agreed a three-year deal to pay 7.2bn euros (£6.5bn; $10.6bn) to help poorer nations cope with climate change.
But leaders of developing countries and some aid agencies described the sum offered by the EU as inadequate.But leaders of developing countries and some aid agencies described the sum offered by the EU as inadequate.
Meanwhile, in Copenhagen, officials released a draft text of a possible final deal in which rich countries are asked to raise their pledges on greenhouse gas emissions cuts.Meanwhile, in Copenhagen, officials released a draft text of a possible final deal in which rich countries are asked to raise their pledges on greenhouse gas emissions cuts.