Pharrell Williams issues call to action for world leaders to tackle climate change

Superstar Pharrell Williams has called on world leaders to help tackle climate change by creating millions of green jobs around the globe in a bid to save the planet.

The Happy hitmaker has teamed up with officials at the International Labor Organization to film a video message aimed at business owners and politicians, urging them to create an economy that promotes sustainability, while at the same time educating and providing employment for younger generations.

In the video, uploaded to YouTube.com by organization bosses, Williams states, "I'm passionate about two big issues: climate change, and education and skills for young people.

"Climate change is one of the most defining issues of our time, one that threatens our very existence on Earth. And we've also got another serious problem on our hands: millions of young people who don't have jobs."

He continues, "Right now, we have a unique opportunity to tackle climate change and to make sure that young people and our planet have a future that is sustainable for many generations to come. Making economies green could create millions of good, decent jobs all around the world."

The footage was screened at the World of Work conference in Geneva on Thursday (11Jun15), when leaders including French president Francois Hollande raised concerns about, and discussed possible solutions for, the implications of climate change for employees, business owners and communities.

Addressing the group directly, Williams says, "You - the workers, the employers, the governments, the presidents and prime ministers meeting here today - you guys have the opportunity to make a difference. Make sure that green jobs are right at the top of the agenda when the world meets in Paris this December."

The meeting Williams refers to is the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Paris, France.

The musician is also working with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to stage a free Live Earth event in Paris this autumn (15), in the run-up to the U.N. meeting to further shine the spotlight on the need to take immediate action to combat climate change.

They had previously hoped to hold star-studded Live Earth gigs across all seven continents this month (Jun15), but announced the change of plans in May (15).