The Taoiseach is one of 120 international leaders heading to New York for a one-day UN summit on climate change today.

Enda Kenny is expected to emphasise Ireland's commitement to playing its part in tackling the issue.

A proposal to charge the worst offending companies and countries is expected to dominate the event's agenda. Research from the World Bank shows more than 70 governments support the idea.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he hopes world leaders can agree to changes:

On Sunday, more than 2,500 events took place worldwide to mark a global day of action on climate change.

Organisers of a march in New York estimated more than 300,000 attended, with a goal of persuading world leaders to take urgent action on climate change. Leonardo di Caprio, Sting and Ban Ki-moon were among those who took part in the march.

In Ireland, a colourful family picnic was held in St Stephen's Green in Dublin to try and highlight the issue of climate change.

Hundreds of people are reported to have attended the picnic.