The Next Big Green Thing: Steel
Governments need to see that essential investments in hydrogen technology are made.
A climate problem.
Photographer: Morris MacMatzen/Getty ImagesIf you had to guess, which would you say contributes more to carbon emissions, air travel or steel production? If you guessed the Wright brothers’ invention instead of Henry Bessemer’s, you’re wrong.
Steel production accounts for about 7% to 10% of total carbon emissions — twice what comes from air travel. Leading companies are now experimenting with new techniques to reduce these emissions, but it isn’t easy. Indeed it demonstrates why bending the carbon curve is so hard. Decarbonizing steel production requires a mix of new technology, regulatory and price changes, and business innovation — so it is a microcosm of the broader challenge facing governments and corporations as they seek to make progress on climate protection.