Environmental groups accused ArcelorMittal of greenwashing the torch, which is forged from low-carbon steel from the world's second-largest steelmaker, the day before it arrived in France on Wednesday.
They are using the Paris Games to burnish their image, even though the company alone emits as much carbon as a country the size of Belgium and has retreated from its environmental efforts. He said there was.
ArcelorMittal has spent just a third of the $1.5 billion it pledged to invest in decarbonization over the past three years, a new report from advocacy group Steelwatch found.
Activists said the company is returning $22 to shareholders for every dollar it invests in decarbonization.
“Although ArcelorMittal prioritizes shareholder profits and fossil-fuel-based steel production over climate action, it has consistently presented itself as a green champion, particularly as an official at this year's French Olympic Games. As a sponsor, we provide “low carbon” steel to the public. The Olympic Torch,” said activist groups, including the Fair Steal Coalition.
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ArcelorMittal has touted its role in providing low-carbon recycled steel for the torch and Olympic rings that adorn the Eiffel Tower during the Paris Games in July and August.
Activists recently accused ArcelorMittal of pursuing two-stage decarbonization with green steel projects in Canada and Europe, while continuing to build and use coal-fired reactors in countries such as India.
Steel manufacturing alone accounts for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions.
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An ArcelorMittal spokesperson told AFP that the group plans to cut global emissions by a quarter by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality in 2050.
He said the company has launched plans to reduce its carbon emissions intensity in India by recycling more steel and industrial gases, as well as switching blast furnace fuels to natural gas and hydrogen.
A spokesperson did not provide a schedule.
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