CO₂ (carbon dioxide) is the primary greenhouse gas whose emissions significantly impact global climate change. Crucially, the ultimate climate goal of Net Zero requires addressing all GHGs, including high-impact pollutants like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

The industrial sector, responsible for direct manufacturing and process emissions, accounts for roughly a quarter of global carbon output. Research and Development (R&D) is vital here, exemplified by hydrogen-based ironmaking and expanded electric arc furnace use in steel.

While IEA data shows global emissions growth slowed to 0.5% annually to 2023—a promising sign of early decoupling efforts—absolute global emissions are still rising, underscoring the urgent need for deep, sustained reduction.

See also: CO₂ Emissions in the Steel Industry