COLCHESTER Council could declare a climate emergency and pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.

A motion calling for the council to take a "radical step forward" has been revealed as part of papers for a full council meeting.

Council leader Mark Cory and councillor Lorcan Whitehead have proposed the motion for action on climate change.

It urges the council to declare a climate emergency, support a newly formed Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Task and Finish Group and carry out an audit to identify pollution hotspots, wildlife biodiversity and environmental health issues.

If approved the council would also "develop a roadmap" showing how the council could become carbon neutral by 2030.

The motion said: "So far, 85 local and regional authorities have passed Climate Emergency motions in a bid to spur urgent action to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable urban environments and economies.

"In passing and following through on this motion, we can take a radical step forward in tackling climate change and conservation as a local authority.

"Tackling climate change cannot just be left to national government. It is everyone’s duty to do what they can to stop this existential threat to our planet."

It added: "At the Global Climate Talks in Poland last December the UK along with over 200 nations agreed action on climate change with a much greater role strongly implied for local and regional authorities, like Colchester, in assisting governments to achieve their carbon emission savings."

If the motion is agreed it would also see Mr Cory write to the Claire Perry, Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, requesting national policy is urgently developed to "reflect the seriousness of the current emergency".

The motion will be referred to cabinet for decision unless councillors vote to suspend a procedure allowing it to be debated and a vote taken.

The full council meeting will take place on Wednesday.