Global warming and the primary metals industry

The case for global warming due to anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases is compelling, but its quantitative effects are still scientifically unproven. Today, the U.S. primary metals industry's carbon emissions account for slightly less than one percent of the global total. Further reductions are possible through the implementation of existing energy conservation measures, through more extensive recycling, and by the development and implementation of alternative processing technologies. This article reviews the current knowledge of global warming, quantities the relative contribution of the U.S. metals processing industry to this problem, and shows that recycling and alternative processing technologies can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.