Protesters from Edmonton joined people from 181 countries around the world to encourage their government leaders to help stop climate change during the global day of action.

Dozens of Edmontonians played dead on the steps of the Alberta Legislature to show the government that they are "dying for climate leadership."

"We are really hoping that we can see some climate leadership in terms of our federal government and also at Copenhagen this year in December," said event organizer Logan McIntosh.

"They need to get serious about this and make some substantial commitments," said participant Diane Charkiw.

The protest in Edmonton was one of an estimated 150 events across Canada part of the International Day of Climate Action.

Canada has the largest number of events worldwide, behind the United States.

The events are organized by www.350.org, a group dedicated to reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in air to 350 parts per million. NASA scientist James Hansen identified the number as the safest limit for carbon dioxide levels in the air. The world is currently over that number, at 383 parts per million.

The events kicked off in Australia where thousands of people formed a large "350" with their bodies in front of the famous Sydney opera house and held placards with the number on Bondi Beach.

Other worldwide events scheduled include setting alarm clocks to ring at the same time in Paris in order to "wake up" President Nicholas Sarkozy on climate change. People in Kabul are taking part by writing "350" in chalk on a mountain.

People in 181 countries are expected to participate in 5,200 events, urging world leaders to help stop climate change ahead of a December meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark where they will discuss the issue.