Protestors swarm Copenhagen

Tens of thousands of people turned up to protest outside the 192-nation 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which took place Dec. 7-Dec. 18 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Thousands were arrested throughout the week by police, who used tear gas and batons to calm unruly protestors, according to The Associated Press. While there were multiple protests throughout the week, the largest took place on Dec. 12 outside the Bella Centre, where the conference was held. More than 1,000 were detained in the mass rally.

Protest organizers said as many as 100,000 people joined the march from downtown Copenhagen. However, police estimated numbers at 40,000. The march ended with protesters holding candles and torches as they swarmed the center.

Peaceful demonstrations also took place throughout the pivotal week, in Denmark and around the world, by groups ranging from environmental activists to global warming skeptics.