Donald Trump has announced that the US will withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate change deal.

The agreement was originally signed by 195 of 197 nations in a UN climate change group and pledged to limit rises in global temperatures but curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

In a widely-trailed decision, Trump said he would negotiate to re-enter the agreement on “terms fair to Americans.”

JUST IN: Statement from President Barack Obama on the Paris Climate Accord: pic.twitter.com/hVDrsPFrTH — NBC News (@NBCNews) June 1, 2017

Trump made the announcement in the Rose Garden at the White House.

“in order to fulfil my solemn duty to protect the United States and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. As of today, the United States will cease all impementation of the non-binding Paris accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country.”

The withdrawal was not unexpected but there has nonetheless been an immediate outcry from activists. Critics say the US is abdicating responsibility and leadership on one of the most significant challenges facing the world.