Obama orders that greenhouse gases be cut by 40%

US president Barack Obama has ordered the federal government to cut its emissions of greenhouse gases by 40%, as he seeks to spur other nations to get serious about climate change.

Obama’s executive order also directs the government to ramp up use of renewable energy sources to 30% of the federal government’s consumption. The White House said taxpayers could save up to $18bn (€17bn) in electricity costs by reducing greenhouse gases by 40% over the next decade, compared to 2008 levels.

“These are ambitious goals, but we know they’re achievable goals,” Obama said at the energy department, where he toured a rooftop solar panel installation after signing the executive order at the White House.