Steel production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates suggesting it accounts for around 7% of global emissions. Carbon dioxide is released during the process of transforming iron ore into steel through a chemical reaction that takes place in blast furnaces and oxygen converters.
Steel production also requires a large amount of energy, usually provided by fossil fuels like coal and oil, which creates additional emissions and contributes to climate change. The mining and extraction of iron ore also cause environmental impacts, including the destruction of forests and wildlife habitats, water pollution, and soil erosion.
The use of steel products also has environmental impacts, primarily in terms of waste disposal and resource depletion. Steel products can have a long lifespan but may eventually be discarded and end up in landfills or in the environment, where they can take centuries to break down. Additionally, the extraction of raw materials required for steel production can lead to resource depletion and habitat destruction.
Publication date: