A BOURNEMOUTH councillor has condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement and said the town would strengthen its resolve to tackle climate change.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet portfolio holder for planning and environment, said he was “extremely disappointed” Mr Trump had decided to withdraw from the deal.

“I believe he is fundamentally wrong. Global warming is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and, in spite of what he is doing, Bournemouth council will continue with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions in this town and support the Compact of Mayors across the world who are following the same agenda.”

Bournemouth, along with 596 cities worldwide, has made a commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

The council has helped reduce residents’ annual carbon dioxide emissions, from home, business, and transport energy use, from 5.6 tonnes per person in 2005 to 3.6 tonnes in 2016.

The Paris Agreement commits countries to holding global temperature rises to "well below" 2C above pre-industrial levels, which will require global emissions to be cut to net zero by the second half of the century.

Scientists have warned failure to curb dangerous climate change will lead to sea level rises, more intense storms and flooding, more extreme droughts, water shortages and heatwaves as well as massive loss of wildlife and reduction in crop yields, potentially sparking conflict and mass migration.