Thousands of people have marched in central Lima against the abuse of earth's resources, urging ministers haggling over a world climate deal to ensure a global switch to 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.
Students, environmentalists, workers, women's defenders, anti-poverty activists and indigenous groups joined the "People's Climate March" in the Peruvian capital on Wednesday, chanting "Water yes, gold no!" and "The water is ours!"
The colourful line of festive demonstrators snaked its way through the city, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and brass bands.
Police estimated the crowd at about 1800 people, but AFP witnessed many times that and organisers said about 15,000 turned out.
A carnival-like atmosphere characterised the two-kilometre walk in the hot sun, with large puppets and stilt-walkers towering over the crowds, many in traditional Peruvian dress.
Environment ministers, meanwhile, engaged in the second of a four-day meeting designed to apply political heft to deeply divided negotiations.
The December 1-12 Lima talks aim to clear the way for a pact to be signed in Paris in December 2015 to slash soaring earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions. The plan would go into effect in 2020.
The pact attempts to meet the UN goal of limiting average global warming to 2C over pre-industrial levels.
But negotiators remained stuck on how to share out the burden for curbing emissions between rich and poor nations.
India led a chorus of developing countries to defend a division of responsibilities set down 22 years ago when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was established.
Australia, Europe, the US and other advanced economies say this approach is senseless today, with developing countries having overtaken the West as carbon polluters with their heavy reliance on coal to power rapid growth.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has reaffirmed the government's reluctance to commit to an emissions agreement unless key trade partners come to the party.
Trade Minister Andrew Robb, who is accompanying Ms Bishop at UN climate talks in Lima, reportedly told business leaders Australia won't sign an agreement unless trade competitors pull their weight.
Ms Bishop says it's vital any commitment also allows for sustainable economic growth.
"Australia should not and will not go this alone," she told ABC radio from Lima.
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