Charting the course to eco-friendly steel: China's blueprint for cleaner air and a cooler planet

Peer-Reviewed Publication

CHINESE SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

 

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CREDIT: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY

China, as the world's largest steel producer, faces the dual challenges of air quality enhancement and climate change mitigation. In a new study unveiled a comprehensive analysis of CO2 emissions and environmental health burdens stemming from China's iron and steel industry (ISI). This research offers a pathway towards a sustainable transformation, critical for mitigating climate change and improving air quality. 

China, the world's top steel producer, is at a crossroads due to its iron and steel industry's heavy CO2 emissions and pollution contribution, spotlighting the urgent need for greener practices. This necessity stems from the industry's impact on air quality and global climate change, driving the push towards adopting sustainable and low-emission technologies to ensure environmental protection and adherence to international climate commitments.

A recent study (doi: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100367) published in Volume 20 of the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning present an in-depth look at the CO2 emissions and health impacts from China's iron and steel sector. Highlighting a critical need for eco-friendly shifts, the study maps out a sustainable transformation strategy to combat climate change and enhance air quality.

The study conducts an exhaustive examination of the CO2 emissions and health impacts linked to China's iron and steel industry, pinpointing sintering processes and blast furnaces as the main culprits of pollution. Through a meticulously crafted emission inventory of 811 enterprises, it uncovers the stark reality of how these emissions amplify PM2.5 concentrations, leading to significant health repercussions, including tens of thousands of premature deaths annually. Advocating for a shift towards advanced, energy-saving production technologies, the research lays down a strategic roadmap for the industry.

Highlights

• Sintering is the main air pollutant source, while blast furnaces contribute 81% of CO2 emissions.
• ISI is estimated to cause over 59,000 premature deaths in China in 2020.
• 48% of PM2.5-related deaths are due to emissions from Hebei, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanxi, and Nei Mongol.
• Provinces with high health impact and carbon emissions should implement stricter control measures.

"We have identified key areas where intervention can significantly reduce environmental and health impacts," states Dr. Wenbo Xue, the study's lead researcher. "By focusing on energy-efficient technologies and advanced techniques, along with ultra-low emission standards, we can pave the way for a sustainable future for the iron and steel industry."

This study marks a significant step towards the industry's sustainable transformation. It serves as a valuable reference for policymakers and stakeholders, underlining the importance of integrated efforts in pollution and carbon emission reduction for a healthier, greener future.

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References

DOI

10.1016/j.ese.2023.100367

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100367

Funding information

The National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 72174126, 72243008].

About Environmental Science and Ecotechnology

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology (ISSN 2666-4984) is an international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal published by Elsevier. The journal publishes significant views and research across the full spectrum of ecology and environmental sciences, such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity conservation, environment & health, green catalysis/processing for pollution control, and AI-driven environmental engineering. The latest impact factor of ESE is 12.6, according to the Journal Citation ReportTM 2022.

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JOURNAL

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology

DOI

10.1016/j.ese.2023.100367 

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

Not applicable

ARTICLE TITLE

Quantifying China's iron and steel industry's CO2 emissions and environmental health burdens: A pathway to sustainable transformation