-
SteelWatch Explainer series
Why is steelmaking such a big climate problem? Does it really drive 11% of global CO2 emissions – how?
Why is decarbonisation talk so confusing? What’s the difference between iron and steel? Or between BF-BOFs, EAFs, and H2-DRIs? Why is green hydrogen essential to decarbonise steel but using hydrogen in blast furnaces is a bad idea?
Industry gives many reasons for the slow pace of decarbonisation. What is valid and what is out of date? SteelWatch Explainers aim to demystify confusing issues, and set the facts straight on common industry claims.
-
New global Metallurgical Coal Exit List shows Japanese companies contributing to a potential surge in steel emissions worldwide
Tokyo, 23 January 2025: Financial institutions are under increasing pressure over ongoing financial support for steelmaking with metallurgical coal, with a new global list showing that 160 companies are pursuing 252 met coal mining expansion projects, in 18 countries.
-
SteelWatch reacts to the White House blocking Nippon Steel’s acquisition of the U.S. Steel
Nippon Steel was offering a bad deal for the climate. Now that deal has sunk, it’s time for the world’s fourth largest steel maker to rethink.
SteelWatch: a vigilant voice for transformation of the steel sector
We challenge the global steel industry to urgently deliver its fair contribution to a livable planet and support civil society to hold the sector accountable.
Drive Ambition and Accountability
We urge speed and scale in emissions reduction, challenging the narrative that incremental progress is enough. We shine a light on the gap between what is needed and what is happening.
Strengthen Global Advocacy
We support, connect and strengthen the movements working on corporate and national-level campaigns for a transparent, equitable and zero emissions steel sector.
Campaign for Corporate Action
We are vigilant and vocal in engaging and holding steel companies to account, seeking actionable change, company by company and plant by plant.
Latest Commentary
-
Nippon Steel was offering a bad deal for the climate. Now that deal has sunk, it’s time for the world’s fourth largest steel maker to…
-
A key missing driver for green steel in Japan are signals from steel buyers that they are willing to pay more for low-emissions steel. As a major steel buyer, the Japanese government could help drive market formation and encourage investment in low-emissions steelmaking technologies through green purchasing.
-
As 2024 draws to an end, optimism on steel sector decarbonisation can feel in short supply. While impacts of the climate crisis accelerate, emissions are stubbornly high, sector debates are more focused on trade protection than on climate protection, and governments and companies are wobbling on their ambition. But stepping back, it is not all gloom. 2024 may be the year when tipping points were reached, and cracks in the status quo became undeniable.
Latest Reports
-
With its “Super COURSE50” technology brand, Nippon Steel claims to use hydrogen injection and carbon capture to reduce climate-harming emissions from its steel plants.
-
World number four steel producer, Nippon Steel, is failing to meet international standards and falling behind its competitors on climate action, due to its focus on coal-based steelmaking.
-
ArcelorMittal does not live up to its own shiny claims of climate leadership because it is not on track to deliver the transformation needed to limit climate change to 1.5C, it is backtracking on its own stated commitments, and prioritising shareholders over decarbonisation in its financial decisions.
