Leeds is the latest city to sign up to the low carbon revolution and benefit from a green business boom after the council voted to cut city-wide carbon emissions 40% by 2020. The decision, which was made after a vote by Leeds' councillors is crucial as councils are key to providing leadership on climate change, following the failure to agree an ambitious and binding deal at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.

Here at PeopleProfitPlanet, we are delighted that our home city, will see a boom in green jobs and a stronger local economy as the council has pledged to support both energy efficiency and mirco-renewables in homes and commercial buildings. Leeds City Council has also promised to approve renewable energy schemes to decarbonise the grid and increase the use of public transport and greener vehicles.

We are also excited to see a groundswell of support for cutting carbon emissions and the economic, social and environmental benefits that it brings. Leeds joins Bristol, Harrogate, Durham and Surrey who have already committed to cutting emissions 40% by 2020. While Manchester has pledged 41% by 2020, Scotland 42% by 2020, London 60% by 2025 and Birmingham 60% by 2026. Has your council signed up (www.getseriousaboutco2.com)?