Climate activists mark Earth Day as global temperatures hit record high

To mark Earth Day, climate activists take to the streets to highlight the urgent need to combat global warming. © AFP

Today marks the 53rd annual celebration of Earth Day, intended to honour the achievements of environmentalists and climate activists, while raising awareness of the need to protect the planet's future.

Volunteers in dozens of countries are set to plant trees, clean up trash and urge governments to do more to combat climate change to mark Earth Day, as scientists warn of more extreme weather and record temperatures this year.