Open Access Conference Proceedings

Decarbonization is essential – and it must begin immediately. As one of the leading global producers of CO₂, the metallurgical industry must contribute its share to mitigating the climate crisis. However, alongside the development and implementation of low- and zero-carbon technologies, we must ask a fundamental question: will the “green label” not merely create an illusion of sustainability? There is a real risk that under the banner of technological efficiency, total resource consumption will increase and industrial activity will shift toward a more sophisticated form of planetary destruction. This paper highlights the dangers of rebound effects, the neglect of planetary boundaries, and the emergence of “green” industry as a form of moral alibi. It also considers a broader context: the historical responsibility of industrialized nations, the imperative of climate justice, the geopolitical consequences of carbon policies, and the need for a systemic transformation. In conclusion, the paper calls on the academic community to actively engage in these debates, to ask uncomfortable questions, and to seek responsible answers.

Keywords: decarbonization, green steel, rebound effect, planetary boundaries, sustainable transformation

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