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The chairman of the Energy Transitions Commission has highlighted the role both companies and governments can play when it comes to reducing emissions, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming COP26 summit on climate change.

In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” at the end of last week, Adair Turner was asked if meaningful action was actually taking place when it comes to corporate announcements related to ESG — a term which stands for environmental, social and governance — or if these lacked substance.

“A lot of meaningful action is taking place,” Turner said. “The problem is that it’s five to ten years later than it should have occurred – but it’s still good news.”

He went on to note that companies and countries across the world were “now making clear commitments and taking clear actions” to cut their emissions.

“Almost everybody has now agreed that we’ve got to get the global economy to about zero emissions by 2050,” Turner, who chaired the U.K.’s Financial Services Authority between 2008 and 2013, said.

“The other bit of good news is that the technologies to do that — the technologies of renewables, of batteries, of electrolyzing hydrogen — have ended up being far cheaper and easier to apply than we dared hope 10 years ago,” he said.

According to the foreword of a recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency, the cost of electricity from utility scale solar photovoltaics dropped by 85% in the period 2010 to 2020. For onshore wind, costs fell by 56%, while offshore wind saw a decline of 48%.

The report from IRENA also states that, in the U.S., the price of utility scale battery storage decreased by 71% between 2015 and 2018.
 
The production of hydrogen using renewables and electrolysis — sometimes called ‘green’ hydrogen — remains expensive, but efforts are also being made to lower costs.

In June, the U.S. Department of Energy launched its Energy Earthshots Initiative and said the first of these would focus on cutting the cost of “clean” hydrogen to $1 per kilogram (2.2 lbs) in a decade. According to the DOE, hydrogen from renewables is priced at around $5 a kilogram today.

COP26

Looking at the bigger picture, Turner acknowledged that while the technologies were there and a lot of companies were taking action, even stronger commitments would be needed at COP26, which will be held in the Scottish city of Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.

“In particular, we now need to focus not just on how do we get to zero emissions by 2050, but how do we get really serious emission reductions in methane as well as CO2 — I want to stress that point — in the 2020s,” he said. “We’ve really got to get the action in place now.”

A lot is riding on COP26, which was due to take place last year but postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The U.K.’s official website for the summit says it will “bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.”

Described by the United Nations as a legally binding international treaty on climate change, the Paris Agreement, adopted in late 2015, aims to “limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.”

Much of the discussions at Glasgow will be centered around nationally determined contributions, or NDCs. In simple terms, NDCs refer to individual countries’ targets for cutting emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change.

In his interview with CNBC Turner noted how the NDCs presented at COP26 would, when added up, be “nothing like the scale of emission reductions that we need.”

“We are going to have to think about additional action on top of that,” he said. “And that will require further tightening of NDCs in future years but also, maybe, some cross-cutting initiatives at COP26 on methane, on deforestation, on accelerating the drive towards electric vehicles, which can be agreed across all countries.”

Governmental role

When it came to getting results, Turner stressed the important role national governments could play.

“You need not only corporates to be committed and to make voluntary commitments because they want to do the right thing,” he said, but strict government ”regulations and taxes and other instruments as well.”

He explained how establishing a framework to create the conditions in which businesses could then deliver was key.

One example of how governments are attempting to generate change is in the automotive industry. The U.K., for instance, wants to stop the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2030 and require, from 2035, all new cars and vans to have zero tailpipe emissions.

“The automotive industry is pivoting towards EVs at an amazing pace,” Turner said. “But we need to make that even faster by just telling them you can’t sell an internal combustion engine car beyond 2035. So yes, you need strong action from government — sometimes the best action is regulation, sometimes it’s a carbon price, sometimes it’s a subsidy or support.”

When it comes to climate change and action, topics related to increased government regulation and carbon pricing have generated a significant amount of debate in recent times.

In a separate interview with CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick over the weekend, former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz touched upon these subjects.

Moniz said he thought the energy transition to net zero was “a $100 trillion-plus affair.” He was, he said, encouraged at how financial institutions were “demanding things like disclosure from … companies … in order to be able to shape their own investment portfolios.”

“But we know that most areas of the clean energy transition right now do not have, let’s say, the returns that an investor would like without government coming in and reshaping policy and regulation,” Moniz said. “So that I think is a key step now that needs further attention.”

He was then asked if a carbon tax would level the playing field and make renewables more attractive when compared with hydrocarbons.

“First of all, I like to say clean energy and not renewable because we need the entire space, including carbon capture and hydrogen and nuclear.”

“But yes, a carbon pricing mechanism, I think, would be the most straightforward way of doing two things. One, to shape the playing field – assuming the price, frankly, is high enough. But secondly, what carbon pricing would do is create a pool of resources that I would strongly urge be used in a progressive way.”

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The Cadillac Escalade IQ will be GM’s first vehicle with eyes-off driving

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October 22, 2025

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The Cadillac Escalade IQ will be GM's first vehicle with eyes-off driving

GM-eyes-off-driving

GM vehicles will soon offer eyes-off driving, starting with the Cadillac Escalade IQ. The company introduced two new AI advancements that GM says won’t just move you, but adapt and improve over time.

GM introduces eyes-off driving and conversational AI

Starting in 2028, GM will introduce eyes-off driving on highways. The feature will debut on the Cadillac Escalade IQ before rolling out to other GM vehicles.

GM announced two new AI advancements that will serve as the foundation for its next-gen intelligent vehicles: eyes-off driving and conversational AI.

Both will run on a new centralized computing platform that controls the vehicle’s propulsion, steering, braking, infotainment, and safety features through a “high-speed Ethernet backbone.” According to GM, the platform delivers 35 times more AI performance and 1,000 times more bandwidth than its previous systems.

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Since its launch in 2017, GM said that Super Cruise has proven that advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) can scale safely.

Super Cruise, which is now offered on 23 GM vehicles, has already enabled over 700 million hands-free miles without a single crash.

GM-eyes-off-driving-Cadillac-Escalade
Cadillac Escalade IQL interior (Source: GM)

The eyes-off system will combine Super Cruise with GM’s Cruise Technology Stack. Unlike vision-only systems, GM will use LiDAR, radars, and cameras that will be integrated directly into the vehicle’s design.

GM’s setup is based on sensor fusion, which combines information from the various sensors to create a detailed view of the vehicle’s surroundings and what’s on the road ahead.

The result, according to GM, is “a vehicle designed to handle the drive when you want it to, with the safety and precision you expect from its vehicles.”

GM-eyes-off-driving-platform
GM’s next-gen software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform (Source: GM)

That’s not all. Starting next year, GM vehicles will feature conversational AI, powered by Google Gemini. The service delivers a more human-like experience. Drivers will be able to create and send messages, plan trips, and more.

Looking ahead, GM plans to introduce its own custom-built AI, which the company said will be more personalized with new capabilities.

GM is among several automakers planning to launch eyes-off over the next few years, including Rivian, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Stellantis, and others.


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Jackery Halloween Sale takes up to 56% off power stations from $79, Autel EV charger rare discount, Anker solar security cam low, more

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October 22, 2025

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Jackery Halloween Sale takes up to 56% off power stations from , Autel EV charger rare discount, Anker solar security cam low, more


Leading today’s Green Deals is Jackery’s newly launched Halloween Sale that is taking up to 56% off power stations and accessories, complete with bonus 5% and 7% savings. Among the lineup, we spotted a returning Prime Day low on the HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station bundled with two 200W solar panels at $1,499. From there, we also have a rare discount hitting Autel’s MaxiCharger Home AC Elite 40A smart AI level 2 EV charging station at $392, as well as Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera back at its $60 Prime Day low. There’s also an EGO leaf blower, some low prices on BougeRV equipment, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s launch discounts on the new Jackery Explorer 600 v2 power station, the returning Prime Day low on Anker’s SOLIX F3000 station, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Save up to 56% on power stations during Jackery’s Halloween Sale with bonus 5% and 7% savings starting from $79

Hot on the heels of Jackery’s new Explorer 600 v2 station launch, the brand has now got its Halloween Sale going with up to 56% discounts on power stations, along with extra 5% and 7% savings on orders over $1,300 and $2,500 using the given codes. Among the lineup, we spotted Jackery’s new HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station bundled with two 200W solar panels for $1,499 shipped, which is sadly the one series that is excluded from the extra savings codes, though it is beating out Amazon’s pricing by $100. Normally $2,999 at full price, we’ve been seeing it regularly taken down to $1,599 since hitting the market in May, with the recent Prime Day Sale event seeing the first appearance of this same rate. Now it’s coming back for a second chance opportunity, giving you a $1,500 markdown back to the all-time lowest price. Head below for more on this and all the other units seeing discounts.

You’ll be getting far more extensive backup support with this HomePower 3000 bundle, which starts things off at a 3,072Wh LiFePO4 capacity that is supported by an upgraded battery management system alongside the ChargeShield 2.0 tech we’ve seen in all the brand’s second-generation variants. This station puts out a steady power stream of up to 3,600W, with the capability to surge as high as 7,200W, making it quite capable of home backup support, as well as short-term off-grid support during trips. There are 12 output port options here, with RV rovers able to benefit from the TT-30R port too.

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There are five main ways to recharge the battery here, with the bundle providing you 400W of its max 1,000W solar input for charging in the sun, while you could also top it off with a standard AC outlet, a gas generator, your car’s auxiliary cigarette lighter port, or by using both AC and DC together for the shortest charge time of 1.7 hours.

***Note: The prices below have not had the bonus savings factored in, so be sure to use the code OFFER5 on orders over $1,300 and OFFER7 on orders over $2,500 for the best deals – but keep in mind these codes do not work on the HomePower 3000 units.

Jackery’s Halloween Sale deals for individual appliance power:

Jackery’s Halloween Sale deals for home backup power:

Jackery’s Halloween Sale deals for short-term off-grid adventures:

Jackery’s Halloween Sale solar panel/battery deals:

Jackery’s transfer switch and other deals:

As I previously mentioned, Jackery also just launched its newest Explorer 600 v2 power station with a solar bundle option at up to $120 off, starting from $380. 

car charging from Autel MaxiCharger Home AC Elite EV charger

Autel’s MaxiCharger Home AC Elite 40A smart AI level 2 EV charging station gets rare discount to $392

By way of the official Autel Amazon storefront, you can pick up the rarely discounted MaxiCharger Home AC Elite 40A Smart AI Level 2 EV Charger at $392.30 shipped, with two plug options to choose from: either a NEMA 14-50 plug or a NEMA 6-50 plug. Both models are coming down from their full $559 tags here, with the brand’s website offering them still at full price. This model only saw one previous discount over the year, which dropped the price $1 lower way back in January, and otherwise keeping at its full price. Now, we’re getting the second price cut of the year, with the 30% markdown cutting $167 off the going rate for the third-lowest overall price that we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this EV charging station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Anker eufy Solocam S220 solar security camera mounted to wall in rain

Prime Day pricing returns to Anker’s solar-charging eufy SoloCam S220 for a $60 low

Coming to us through the official eufy Amazon storefront, Anker is bringing back Prime Day pricing on the SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera for $59.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon. While this single-camera unit carries a $100 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it keep down at $70 here at Amazon, with the cost taken down to this low rate for the first time during the recent Prime Day event two weeks ago. Now, it’s coming back around to give folks another chance at upgrading their home security with $40 off the MSRP at the best price we have tracked. While this price beats out the two and three-pack values, you can pick up four of these cameras at $229.99 shipped right now, saving you $10 over buying four separate cameras.

If you want to learn more about this solar security device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

EGO Power+ 56V 615 CFM cordless leaf blower

Get up to 615 CFM of clearing power with this EGO 56V cordless electric leaf blower at $150

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 615 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah battery at $149.91 shipped. While you can find it listed at various retailers as high as $220, we’ve seen it keeping down at $199 since the end of August, with the only discount from 2025 that beats this rate being a fall to the $140 low back from March. Aside from that, you’re otherwise looking at the next-best price of the year, with $49 cut from the tag here.

If you want to learn more about this leaf blower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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Take Back Tesla urges pension funds to vote ‘no’ on Musk’s $1 trillion pay day

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3 hours ago

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October 22, 2025

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Take Back Tesla urges pension funds to vote 'no' on Musk's trillion pay day


A new campaign is adding to the growing chorus of pushback against Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s absurdly large proposed $1 trillion pay package, this time led by unions and public interest groups. The campaign encourages individuals to get in contact with their pension or retirement funds and ask them to vote against Musk’s payday.

In September, Tesla’s board proposed a stock award worth up to $1 trillion for CEO Elon Musk. It includes several milestones regarding Tesla stock and product performance, each of which unlocks tens of billions of dollars for Musk.

It’s the largest award proposed for any CEO of any company by multiple orders of magnitude – with previous proposed Musk awards holding the second and third place positions as well. 

In addition to that much-reported proposal, another proposal is up for a vote which would create a special share reserve of 208 million shares (current value $92 billion) which the Tesla board can give to Elon Musk with no strings attached.

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Both proposals will be voted on by TSLA shareholders at Tesla’s shareholder meeting on November 6.

Many groups have chimed in to raise the alarm about these proposals and how they’re bad for Tesla shareholders. Most recently, the two largest advisory groups, ISS and Glass Lewis, recommended that shareholders vote against. Earlier, a group of public pension funds including the comptrollers of several US states, the American Federation of Teachers, and a Swedish insurance group.

We at Electrek also did a deep dive into the proposals, with background and details on the proposals and how they’re bad for employees and shareholders, which you can read here: Elon Musk’s $1 trillion stock award gets more ridiculous the more you look into it

Now a new group has joined the chorus, calling itself “Take Back Tesla.” It’s led by unions, encouraging individuals with pension or retirement funds to get in touch with the controllers of those funds and ask them to vote no on Musk’s pay package.

Take Back Tesla consists of the American Federation of Teachers (who signed the previous pension fund letter) and the Communication Workers of America, who represent around 2.5 million workers combined.

Several public interest groups have joined on, including Public Citizen, Stop the Money Pipeline, Americans for Financial Reform, Ekō, and People’s Action Institute. These groups are generally focused on reducing the power of corporations in politics, reducing wealth concentration, and opposing the corrupting and polluting power of the fossil fuel industry.

The groups bring up some of the same points that have been brought up before, but are more focused on public advocacy and Musk’s recent political actions, in addition to protecting value for the common shareholder.

Rather than talking about dilution (which the proposals will increase, removing rights and value from shareholders), Take Back Tesla focuses more on the inequity involved in the plan. It points out that the proposed pay package for Musk tops out at a Tesla market cap of $8.5 trillion, about 2x the current market cap of the most valuable company on Earth, NVIDIA. However, Musk would be paid 2,000x as much as NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang, who made $50 million last year.

It also asserts that a Tesla employee making the median Tesla salary would need to work 1.7 million years to match a single year of Musk’s yearly compensation under the plan (we checked the salary numbers, and it seems Take Back Tesla might be using a low estimate or not counting stock-based compensation – but that doesn’t change the point too much, especially since Tesla just drained its employee stock reserve to give it all to Elon Musk).

The groups are also particularly interested in the effects that Musk himself has had on employees around the country. AFT president Randi Weingarten said:

The Tesla board, instead of upholding basic governance standards, wants to green light an outrageous $1 trillion pay package for a CEO who has spent most of the year engaged in childish political brawls, rather than working to create shareholder value. To reward this destructive behavior with an obscene salary is a slap in the face—not only to the federal workers he’s fired, but to the retirees whose pensions are invested in Tesla stock. We urge shareholders to join with us and demand their state pension officials reject Musk’s money grab and confiscate the Tesla board’s rubber stamp.

The reason Take Back Tesla is interested in pension funds is because, beyond individual Tesla shareholders, many people in the US are invested in TSLA via their 401(k) or IRA. Since TSLA is one of the largest companies on the market, almost every fund will hold some exposure to it. Which means that this issue isn’t just of interest to those who directly hold TSLA shares, but to almost everyone with any exposure to the stock market – all of whom would be better off with more stable leadership at the top of one of the largest companies in America.

It could seem strange that groups looking to stop the fossil fuel industry would target Elon Musk, CEO of the largest American electric car company. But Musk has recently proven himself to be one of the fossil fuel industry’s greatest political allies.

Musk gave $288M, more money than any individual, to a political effort which strives to harm EVs, and the group he donated that money to has put significant effort into increasing oil use, subsidizing gas cars and destroying the climate, not just in the US but abroad. This has caused great harm to the US EV industry, but Musk has continued to offer rhetorical and monetary support regardless.

In addition, during his time cosplaying as an unofficial government advisor, Musk recommended the firing of hundreds of thousands of government employees, working to balloon the government deficit by making it less able to do its job. This is particularly of interest to the unions involved in this effort, who protect the interests of the very same public employees Musk targeted.

Take Back Tesla urges institutional shareholders to “oppose excessive CEO compensation and demand that any proposed pay package for Musk be reasonable and rationally benchmarked to the compensation of CEOs at other similarly sized companies.” The groups also oppose “the election of any Tesla Board of Directors members who do not demonstrate appropriate independence from the CEO and adherence to corporate governance best practices.”

For more information and to sign a petition which will be delivered to fund managers, visit takebacktesla.com.

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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.


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