Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards today said he would ask Americans to give up their SUVs, as he set out his plans to curb carbon emissions.

At a forum held by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Florida, Mr Edwards said he believe Americans were "actually willing to sacrifice".

He said "one of the things they should be asked to do is drive more fuel efficient vehicles." When asked if this meant telling voters to give up their SUVs the former senator said "yes".

The majority of polls place Mr Edwards third among the Demcoratic candidates, behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Mr Edwards was clearly popular with the group, several times drawing standing ovations, including once when he said weapons and equipment used by the US military needed to be made in the United States.

He said tanks and ammunition for M16 rifles are being made in other countries.

"If your tax dollars are being used to produce the products that keep America safe, that provide defence for the American people, those jobs should remain in the United States of America," he said. He also said as president he would ask residents to conserve energy and said the US needs to focus on being a leader in creating alternative energy.

He said he wants a national cap on carbon dioxide emissions that is lowered each year.

"We are the worst polluter on the planet. We are 4% of the world's population, we're putting out 25% of the world's greenhouse gas," Mr Edwards said. "America's going to have to change."