Protesters who have described themselves as climate warriors have gathered on the streets of Melbourne to pressure the federal government to take strong environmental action.
A group called Extinction Rebellion hosted the climate rally, which began at Victoria's Parliament House and continued through Melbourne's streets.
Students gathered in front of Melbourne's state parliament before marching through the city. Source: AAP
"The climate emergency is not a political issue, it is a scientific fact," a statement from the rally organisers states.
Organisers said as many as 5000 demonstrators may take part in the rally, which includes people lying "dead" on the ground to show the Earth's sixth mass extinction.
The rally is expected to cause major disruptions to commuters across the city.
The group want the federal government to declare a climate and ecological emergency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
"Our government isn't acting in accordance with what science and history tells us," the group said.
Protesters in Melbourne. Source: AAP
"We have a moral duty to rebel, whatever our politics. History shows us that peaceful civil disobedience is an effective way to bring about change."
The action coincides with the Global Climate Strike also on Friday.
New Zealand is also among the 119 countries, with protests scheduled in a total of 1623 locations globally.
