Shropshire Council's cabinet is set to approve a plan to cut the local authority's carbon emissions by 35 per cent over five years.

At present, over 30 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted globally each year by burning fossil fuels and another seven billion tonnes by changes such as deforestation, according to the government's Act on CO2 campaign.

The council's Carbon Management Plan is designed to cut reliance on fossil fuels and includes dozens of energy-saving measures which will help implement the project.

Inefficient heating systems will be replaced under the scheme and energy-efficient lighting will be introduced to public buildings and streets.

Wind turbines, wood boilers and thermal panels will be installed in some schools, according to the council.

Councillor Ann Hartley, the cabinet member responsible for the Carbon Management Plan, is pleased that the issue of climate change is being taken seriously.

"I am pleased that we have in place a series of plans that will make a tangible difference to our carbon emissions through saving energy. The council takes the threats posed by climate change very seriously," she said.