BOURNEMOUTH could become a world leader in the green economy within the next four years.

The move will see the town position itself at the cutting edge of environmental protection along with other cities such as Vancouver, Stockholm and Copenhagen, that use their environmental credentials to attract business talent and inward investment.

It follows Bournemouth Borough Council's announcement last year of its membership of the Compact of Mayors - a scheme launched by the United Nations at their Climate Change Summit in 2014.

The Compact of Mayors is the world’s largest coalition of city leaders addressing climate change.

Now through its adopted economic development strategy, sustainability programme and revised climate change strategy, the council is aiming to improve its green economy commitments even further and join the world’s elite in tackling climate change to create a sustainable Bournemouth.

Cabinet members agreed to endorse the council’s green ambitions at their meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Mike Greene, cabinet member for transport, sustainability and carbon management, said: “Bournemouth has already delivered huge carbon management reductions through its green agenda over the last 15 years and now seeks to become a leader on the world stage and reap the economic and environmental rewards.

"By seeking to become a Green Economy Leader this will ensure visibility of Bournemouth’s positive action in the global effort to tackle climate change whilst also enabling the town to attract, retain and develop leading green and sustainable businesses and world class talent.”

To help achieve its goal the council will be engaging with businesses through the recently formed Sustainable Business Leadership Group of proactive green companies.

Membership includes Kiteleys Solicitors, Bournemouth Water, Organix, RNLI and Bournemouth University.

Angela Pooley, from East Dorset Friends of the Earth, said: “This new strategy begins to demonstrate that the council really believes in the commitments to the Compact of Mayors and I’m pleased to see that it is taking more visible, positive actions, towards practical applications of climate change strategy.”

Ed Taylor, from Kiteleys Solicitors, added: “Achieving sustainability and tackling climate change is a significant challenge but pays huge dividends.

"The new Sustainable Business Leadership Group has brought like-minded businesses together that are local examples of good practice and is enlisting them as ambassadors for the town.”