[thehappypm]

Personally, I don’t see industrial processes like these as a priority for reducing CO2 emissions. If we get to a point where all the heavy emitters like cars and power plants are carbon neutral, things like steel production will be a tiny contributor to climate change, and can probably be better managed through capture and sequestration if the world decides every molecule of CO2 is harmful.

[kristianp]

Depending on which source you look at, steel production accounts for 8% - 11% of global CO2 emissions. According to Gate's 2021 book, 'getting around' (planes, trucks, cargo ships) accounts for 16% of CO2 emissions. So steel production is definitely a significant contributor.

[thehappypm]

I get that, but steel is kind of “worth it”. Civilization can’t function without steel right now. Meanwhile energy has a gazillion alternatives. Priorities.

[heisenbit]

Concrete production is responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions so there are a few key processes and material which really are worth a look.

[thehappypm]

I’d still put it below transit and electricity as far as priority.