PRESIDENT Donald Trump's decision to withdraw America from the Paris Climate Change Agreement has sparked a furious reaction.

Environmental campaigners and politicians have criticised Mr Trump's decision, citing it as hugely damaging to the future of the planet.

Political candidates in Westmorland and Lonsdale have all condemned Trump's decision.

Labour's Eli Aldridge said he feared it set 'a dangerous precedent that could start a domino effect'.

"I have both American and British citizenship and am therefore appalled that Theresa May has refused to join the leaders of Germany, France and Italy in condemning Donald Trump’s actions," he said.

"Instead she has acted subservient to Trump – far from the strong and stable leadership she claims to offer the British public. Climate change is one of the biggest global issues we face and we must act now."

Liberal Democrat candidate Tim Farron said: "It's an utter disgrace that Trump is showing such disregard for the threat posed by climate change by withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement.

"This deal was the result of two decades of international negotiations and is now on the brink of unravelling, which would be a disaster for our environment and a betrayal of future generations.

“At times like this the government must prove the worth of the special relationship, and use it to make Trump see sense on climate change. Our government must join with others in publicly condemning Trump, not standing silently by. It is vital that politicians unite with scientists in the US and across the world in condemning Trump and explaining to the public that this decision would threaten our children's future."

Farmer and Conservative candidate James Airey said: "This is a foolish thing for Trump to do, there's no doubt about that.

"The rest of the countries involved are right to condemn him. He is making a step in directly the wrong direction.

"Climate change is one of the biggest threats the world faces and we all need to work together to deal with the problem as effectively as we can."

Activist and writer Dr Kate Rawles, of Ulverston, is currently travelling 6,000 miles around South America on bamboo bike to raise awareness of the threat of climate change.

She said: "This is an incredibly stupid, short-sighted, self-serving and, sadly, all too predictable decision on Trump’s part.

"He is looking out for his interests and those of the extremely rich and powerful oil, gas and coal companies that help fund him.

"In Cumbria, we already know how damaging, dangerous and expensive climate change-related disruption eg to our weather systems can be – think of the last few years of flooding.

"The reality is that, however difficult, we simply cannot afford to put more CO2 into the atmosphere. And this means that the fossil fuel economy is now the dinosaur economy.

"Fossil fuels need to stay in the ground. What Trump’s decision does above all is throw out a challenge to the rest of us to show leadership and wisdom as never before.

"We will have to manage the transition to a climate safe economy without him. I really believe we can still do this, if we act together, swiftly and with great determination."