Greenpeace activists rappelled from Pittsburgh’s West End bridge Wednesday with a massive banner displaying their message to G20 leaders.

The 80′ by 30′ Greenpeace banner read “Danger: Climate destruction ahead,”  in reference to what the group says is political maneuvering and delay that have put an international climate treaty in jeopardy as the world enters the final stretch on the road to Copenhagen.

“It is imperative that developed world leaders do not fail again in Pittsburgh. They must put money on the table to support developing countries” said Damon Moglen, Greenpeace USA’s global warming campaign director. “It is also critical for G20 leaders agree to kick-start economic recovery through clean energy investment. Both of these elements are vital to achieve a good deal in Copenhagen and avert catastrophic climate change,” said Moglen.

The message comes on the heels of a major address by President Barack Obama on climate change at the UN, where he warned of the “irreversible catastrophe” the world faces from global warming but did not commit his country to any specific targets. The banner hung from the bridge for two hours until Pittsburgh Police moved in and arrested the activists. Nine Greenpeace activists were arrested on the scene and a police spokesperson said another five people were arrested as they attempted to pull off a similar stunt in a different part of the city.

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Images © Greenpeace USA