Environment chiefs are drawing up an action plan to drastically reduce levels of carbon emissions.

Brighton and Hove City Council is attempting to get accepted on to the Carbon Trust's local authority carbon management programme.

Officers from the council met with representatives of the trust on Monday as it was revealed that Brighton and Hove was producing 289,636 tonnes of carbon a year. Carbon is blamed as one of the biggest causes of climate change.

The council has drafted a climate change action plan to reduce its own carbon emissions and encourage residents and businesses to do the same.

Councillor Joyce Edmond Smith, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council's sustainability commission, said: "This is probably the biggest challenge we are facing. We have all got to wake up and understand it is something we need to be doing something about.

"Local government and residents really do need to work together on this, which is why the climate change strategy is being developed."

Per head of the population, Brighton compares well with other cities of its size.

Coun Smith said this was probably because the city is less industrial.

She said: "What that means is there is even more onus on individuals and domestic reduction."

She said people needed to use public transport more and turn off electrical appliances when not in use.

The Carbon Trust, set up by the Government to minimise the effects of climate change, releases a carbon map of UK towns and cities every year.

The latest figures refer to 2003 and are worked out using data from sources including pollution monitoring, traffic flow, regional energy statistics and Ordnance Surveys.

The carbon measured is released in the form of carbon dioxide, which is harmless to people breathing it in but has a destructive effect on the climate.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "We are pleased to see our performance rates well compared to other cities but recognise there is much to be done."

To find out how to reduce emissions, call the Carbon Trust on 0800 085 2005 or visit www.thecarbontrust.org.uk