Climate activists form human chain near Paris attack site

Thousands of climate activists link hands near the site of the deadliest of the November 13 Paris attacks, pleading for leaders to curb global warming on the eve of a UN summit.

People of all ages join in a human chain stretching for two kilometers (1.2 miles) along a wind-blown Boulevard Voltaire in eastern Paris, the first organized demonstration since the bombing and shooting assault claimed by the Islamic State group that killed 130 people.

Out of respect for the dead, they leave a 100-meter (300-foot) gap in front of a makeshift flower and candle memorial set up outside the Bataclan concert hall where 90 people lost their lives.

Riot police are deployed to guard the area, with armed officers fanning out in front of the massacre site.

“Hear our voices! We are here!” cry the demonstrators ahead of the 195-nation UN summit, which aims to reach the first truly global accord to limit greenhouse emissions and avert a global climate disaster.

“For a climate of peace,” read banners held by the protesters.

— AFP