Young climate change protesters inspired by Greta Thunberg

Known simply as Greta, 17-year-old Thunberg has captured the imagination of many young people with impassioned demands for world leaders to take urgent action.

"I will not be silenced while the world is on fire - will you?" said Thunberg.

"This emergency is being completely ignored by the politicians, the media and those in power. Basically nothing is being done ... despite all the beautiful words."

Supporters held placards reading: "Change the politics not the climate," "The ocean is rising so are we!" and "At this point education is pointless."