Climate change protesters were arrested at the New York Times' offices during a protest against what they called the paper's "unacceptable" climate coverage.

On Saturday afternoon, the protesters scaled NYT and Port Authority buildings, lay down in the road outside and chanted slogans demanding action over the 'climate emergency' -- a term they demand the paper uses instead of 'climate change'.

The activists, from the Extinction Rebellion activist group, marched from Bryant Park before arriving at the NYT's HQ in 8th avenue, where they blocked traffic.

Witnesses said more than two dozen protesters were arrested, to applause from the gathered crowd. Police did not immediately confirm the number.

A spokeswoman for Extinction Rebellion, Eve Mosher, said the group wants the media to report on "the climate emergency" so that "people can start pushing for more radical responses."

The New York Times responded that it recognised the urgency of the issue and covered it far more than other news organisations.

Climate change protesters have been arrested after they climbed and scaled New York Times and Port Authority buildings, and blocked traffic in Midtown Manhattan Saturday afternoon.

The protesters from the group Extinction Rebellion marched from Bryant Park, hung gigantic banners on skyscrapers, laid down in the middle of 8th avenue, and blocked traffic.

More than two dozen protesters were arrested to applause and "Thank You" from the crowds. DCPI Police spokesman does not currently have information on the number of arrests.

There was a report of a car set on fire by protesters few streets away, but that report is unconfirmed.

A spokeswoman for Extinction Rebellion, Eve Mosher, said the group wants the media to report on "the climate emergency" so that "people can start pushing for more radical responses."