The hit US TV series is produced by the Rupert Murdoch-owned Fox Network, which recently launched a company-wide drive to reduce its carbon footprint.

Although the network is keeping details of the new plot line very much under wraps, the show’s official website says it will “when appropriate, [be] incorporating the issue of global warming and the importance of carbon emission reduction into its storylines”.

More practically, Fox aims to reduce the CO2 emissions generated in the production of the series, with the aim of making enough energy savings to render the series finale entirely carbon neutral.

As part of the initiative the show’s 26 diesel vehicles and five generators will run on a biodiesel fuel blend. In addition, renewable energy credits will be purchased to green the powering of the electricity-intensive filming process.

The show’s five location scouts are also each being issued with a hybrid powered Toyota Prius, while scripts, schedules and memos - which used to be hand-delivered by car - will now be sent via email.

“We care deeply about this issue at 24 and we wanted to do our own small part to be part of the solution,” states executive producer Howard Gordon. “But even more importantly, we hope to inspire our audience to look at what they can do in their own lives to help stem global warming.”

The show’s cast have also been enlisted in the endeavour with lead actor Kiefer Sutherland filming a public service announcement detailing the show’s efforts. The star’s message can be viewed on the show’s official website along with a series of energy saving tips.

“Global warming is a crime for which we are all guilty, from our cars, our homes and our workplaces,” said the actor in his filmed statement. “All of us at 24 understand the urgency of this problem and, over the next year, we will be implementing creative new ways to produce our show and significantly reduce our carbon footprint.”

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Click here to view Kiefer Sutherland’s public service announcement