A candidate in France’s presidential elections has appealed to climate scientists, engineers working on renewable energy and others to leave the United States and move to his country.

In a video message released on social media, Emmanuel Macron, speaking in English, said he had a message for US scientists: “Please come to France … it is your nation.”

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed scepticism about climate change, appointed several outright deniers and people with links to fossil fuel companies to key positions, and threatened to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Some US government scientists have also been ordered not to speak publicly about their work and the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget and staff numbers are expected to be slashed. The gag order has prompted the creation of "rogue" social media accounts, purportedly run by officials who still want a voice, and a March for Science is to be held in April.

Addressing “American researchers, entrepreneurs and engineers working on climate change”, Mr Macron, a former economic minister in France's Socialist government, said they would be “welcome” in France.

“I do know how your new President now has decided to jeopardise your budget, your initiatives, as he is extremely sceptical about climate change,” he said.

“I have no doubt about climate change and how committed we have to be regarding this issue.

“So I have two messages. The very first one is for the French and European researchers – we will preserve our budgets, we will reinforce our investment, our public and private investment, in order to do more and accelerate our initiatives in order to deliver in line with COP21 [the Paris summit on climate change].

“And second, a message for you guys – please come to France. You are welcome. It is your nation.

“We like innovation, we want innovative people, we want people working on climate change, energy, renewables and new technologies.