According to the WWF – the world's largest conservation organisation – by May 2, city residents had plundered their annual fair share of the Earth's resources.

In the first 112 days of 2008, Peterborough consumed natural resources three times faster than the planet can replace them.

It makes grim reading for a city that is striving to be the environment capital of the UK, but with Manchester and Norwich going into eco-debt on the same day, the city is not alone.

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Today, the chief executive of Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) Hugh Cripps said that WWF's bleak announcement should act as a wake-up call for homeowners, businesses and the government to think green.

Mr Cripps said: "The news that Peterborough, like cities across the UK, is going into eco-debt by using three planets worth of resources is yet another indicator that urgent action is required.

"Peterborough is responsible for creating more than 1.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.

"That is enough to fill the city's cathedral every two minutes."

WWF UK's head of campaigns Colin Butfield said: "Our current lifestyles in the UK are depleting the Earth's natural resources quicker than it can replace them, and driving rapid changes in the world, including climate change, deforestation and the near- extinction of many species.

"There is a need for us all to reduce our consumption of resources and move from a three-planet to a two-planet lifestyle.

"The challenge is not just about consumers though – government and business must also play their part to avoid the most devastating impacts on the environment."

Offering advice on how to make a difference, the director of the Energy Saving Trust advice centre Anglia, Ashley Baxter, said: "Every house in Peterborough produces six tonnes of CO2 a year, costing the earth, and money, too.

"If we all reduce the amount of energy we use, we can save the planet and reduce our energy bills.

"Just a few simple steps could cut your energy costs by £300 a year and save two tonnes of carbon dioxide."

PECT is holding a series of events during the city's Green Festival, which launches on May 24, to help people live more sustainable lives.