The global steel, iron and metallurgical coal industry is emission intensive: the Canadian steel industry contributes to 2 percent of national emissions. Many emission-intensive Canadian steel mills either do not have plans in place, or are experiencing delays and a lack of clarity about the path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 – which is both a government and Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) target.
Across all scenarios in the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook, export revenue, jobs and profits in the metallurgical coal sector are set to decline – the only question is how quickly. This reality can be faced in two ways: passive acceptance, or actively transitioning away from the market before the market transitions away from Canada. Workers must be factored into and not left behind by the transition. It is important that the transition of the steel industry is not a simple reduction of emissions, but includes a comprehensive plan to strengthen employment opportunities in new sectors.
This new report commissioned by SteelWatch and funded by Trottier Family Foundation puts forward a worker-centered path to cut emissions, increase value added and strengthen global supply chains.
Read the full report here.