In response to last week’s devastating terrorist attacks in Paris, the French government has banned large public marches and demonstrations during an upcoming United Nations climate-change conference.
The historic summit, which kicks off Nov. 30 and will be the forum at which President Obama tries to secure an international deal to fight global warming, is expected to draw tens of thousands of climate-change activists to Paris.
While the two-week gathering will include more than 300 events, large-scale marches — whether they be in favor of climate-change regulations or opposed to them — will not be allowed.
“The situation created by the odious attacks of [Nov. 13] and the investigations that have since been carried out do, however, require enhanced security measures. As such, all events organized in enclosed, easily secured spaces will take place. However, in order to avoid any additional risk, the government has decided not to authorize the climate marches planned on public roads in Paris and other French cities,” the United Nations Conference on Climate Change said in a statement. “This is a difficult decision and will no doubt disappoint some of those who hoped to take part, but the imperative of safety requires it.”
Mr. Obama confirmed this week that he’ll personally attend the climate conference.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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