The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called upon world leaders to unite in the fight against climate change, expressing optimism that "we are able to solve the dramatic problems we face."

Guterres made the remarks as environmental enthusiasts around the world held marches to pressure governments to take immediate action against climate change.

"The formula is more international cooperation. These are global issues that no country can solve alone, in relation to climate. That’s why we are having a summit. And that summit is aiming at making countries understand that they need to do much more than what they have been until now, because we need to defeat climate change that is still running faster than what we had," the U.N. Secretary-General said.

Guterres also called upon member states to enhance the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the ambitious goals that are the bedrock of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"We see the consequences in devastating hurricanes, we see the consequence in glaciers melting, we see the consequences in public health deteriorating, with heat waves and new diseases coming to several areas. And so, we need more international cooperation to defeat climate change," he added.

The September 20 global climate march was also held around Africa, including in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda.

(SOURCE:UN)