The urgency for decisive climate action has reached a critical threshold. From rising global temperatures to increasingly frequent natural disasters, the effects of climate change are no longer distant projections; they are unfolding in real time. This year’s summit presents a pivotal opportunity to chart new pathways for industrial decarbonisation, especially in sectors such as steel and stainless steel, and manufacturing as a whole, which are among the largest contributors to global emissions.
Recognising the dual responsibility of driving industrial growth while minimising environmental footprint, the need for a transition to sustainable production methods in the steel and stainless steel industries is essential. Traditional steelmaking is energy-intensive and heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Moving towards cleaner, more sustainable production is not just desirable; it is crucial for meeting climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement and securing a resilient future.
Expectations from COP30 are centred on the need for actionable, industry-specific policies that accelerate the steel and stainless steel sector’s journey to net-zero. Government and global institutional support for clean technologies such as hydrogen-based steelmaking with carbon circularity and electric arc furnaces powered by clean energy sources like nuclear would be encouraging. These innovations have immense potential to reduce emissions, but their adoption must be supported by incentives, infrastructure, and regulatory clarity.
Equally important is the promotion of circular economy models. Stainless steel is inherently recyclable, and its reuse can significantly reduce the environmental impact of raw material extraction and processing. COP30 should prioritise frameworks that make recycling the norm across industries, facilitating a shift from linear to regenerative manufacturing systems.
International collaboration will also be key. The steel and stainless steel sectors require significant investment in R&D, as well as financial mechanisms that offset the upfront costs of green technologies. COP30 must deliver robust global frameworks that foster technology transfer, capacity building, and cross-border partnerships to scale low-carbon and clean energy solutions.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for standardised ESG disclosure and carbon emission accounting protocols. A unified standard will enable fair benchmarking, credible reporting, and more coordinated climate action across industries, helping to align the diverse protocols formulated globally by various independent and government bodies.
Commitment to sustainability is not just an aspiration; it is a driving force in operations and innovation. Investing in cleaner technologies, optimising resource use, and embedding ESG principles across the value chain are critical steps forward. COP30 represents a milestone in this journey; a moment to align global ambition with industrial action.
As leaders gather in Brazil, the opportunity to drive systemic change must not be missed. The stakes are high, but the potential for impact is even higher. With collective resolve and coordinated effort, we can forge a future where industrial progress and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Kalyan Kumar Bhattacherjee is Chief Sustainability Officer at Jindal Stainless (JSL).
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