London Mayor Ken Livingstone has called on all Londoners and businesses to join forces in the battle against climate change.

Mr Livingstone wants to reduce London's carbon emissions by 60 per cent within the next 20 years.

He has appealed to people to stop wasting energy and has called on businesses to invest in green technology to heat and light workplaces.

The mayor's Climate Change Action Plan claims that Londoners don't have to reduce their quality of life to fight global warming, but do need to change the way they live.

The plan states that, without action, London's carbon emissions will grow from 44 million tonnes to 52 million by 2025.

Mr Livingstone wants to move a quarter of London’s energy supply off the National Grid and on to local combined heat-and-power systems by 2025.

He has also promised to slash the prices of loft and cavity wall insulation.

According to the plan, the average London household could reduce their annual fuel bill by around £300 if they made their home more energy efficient.

Ken Livingstone, London Mayor: "Londoners don't have to reduce their quality of life to tackle climate change, but we do need to change the way we live."

Mr Livingstone said: "Londoners don't have to reduce their quality of life to tackle climate change, but we do need to change the way we live.

"The present model of high energy production and high energy waste is utterly inefficient. London, together with the rest of the world, must make a decisive shift to an economy in which energy is conserved, not wasted.

"By making London more carbon efficient we will cut emissions and put money back in Londoners' pockets.

"The actions set out in this plan are radical - the most comprehensive for any city I know. But they will need to be accompanied by further action from government.

"It is completely inadequate to simply talk about climate change or make purely token actions. This plan sets out the beginning of a comprehensive programme to tackle climate change in London in the next twenty years."

John Sauven, director of Greenpeace, added: "Ken Livingstone is showing how the largest city in Europe can combat climate change. No other leader is on the same page.

"The Government talks about cutting emissions, but is unwilling to confront the vested interests in the power sector, the building industry, the aviation lobby and the motor industry.

"Ken Livingstone is prepared to lead and take risks in responding to the challenge of climate change.

"The targets set in this report are demanding, but can be met with existing technologies. The mayor is showing in London what is possible. Central government has yet to take such decisive steps."