China softens climate targets for steel sector

China has softened the climate targets for its steel sector. The sector is now not expected to reach peak CO2 emissions until 2030. That’s according to guidance issued by three ministries that regulate the sector. An earlier consultation document still spoke of an earlier date. Government advisers had argued for the period around 2025. The steel and iron industry is one of the largest CO2 emitters in the People’s Republic. Reducing CO2 emissions in this sector is crucial if China is to meet its climate targets. „To ensure nationwide peaking emissions before 2030, the steel industry would have to peak around 2025,“ climate expert Liu Hongqiao wrote on Twitter.