French climate change sceptic weatherman taken off air

A high-profile French TV weatherman has been taken off air after writing a book in which he questions climate change.

Philippe Verdier, a familiar face on the state-run France 2 channel, said he had been told not to return to work for the foreseeable future.

"I received a letter asking me not to come," Verdier told RTL radio on Wednesday.

"I don't know any more than that, I don't know how long it will last. It's all to do with my book."

Verdier had taken time off to undertake a publicity tour for his book, entitled "Climat investigation" but had been expecting to return to work on last Monday.

"It's France Televisions' decision, I'm not on holiday," he said.

In the book, Verdier throws doubt on the findings of leading climate scientists and political leaders, saying they have "taken the world hostage".

It is timed to coincide with France's hosting of a major UN climate summit in December.

France Televisions said it could not comment on individual decisions but added that its rules "prevent anyone using their professional status... to push forward their personal opinions."

The book has been criticised by former president Nicolas Sarkozy and ex-environment minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet.