Why Addressing the Aluminium Industry’s Carbon Footprint is Key to Climate Action
The aluminum industry faces a critical moment in the pursuit of global decarbonization goals as it accounts for approximately 2% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, emitting 1.1 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. The demand for aluminum, vital for construction, transportation, and power transmission, is projected to grow by over 50% by 2050, underscoring the urgent need to address emissions.
Three key aluminum-producing regions - China, the US, and the EU - are at the forefront of this challenge. China, the largest carbon emitter globally, recently committed to reaching peak emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2060. Aluminum production in China is a major contributor to sectoral emissions due to coal-powered electricity, representing 58% of the sector's carbon footprint in 2019.
In the US, President-Elect Joe Biden's plans to decarbonize the energy grid by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 signal potential progress. Europe, with its European Green Deal and ambitious decarbonization goals, is also a key player in the industry's transformation. International collaboration is essential to address the systemic challenge posed by the global climate crisis, particularly as aluminum's demand continues to rise.
