Earlier this year, I read an article in The New York Times about how South Korea’s steelmakers are racing to cut carbon emissions (“South Korea’s Steelmakers Are Racing to Cut Emissions,” NYT, April 2, 2024). The piece described both the economic pressures and technological breakthroughs driving the industry’s green transition, from hydrogen-based steelmaking to new energy management systems and digital optimization of resources.
What struck me most about the article was how deeply sustainability is now intertwined with the future of industry. No longer is “going green” just a trend or PR move; it is a necessity for survival and global competitiveness. As an aspiring industrial engineer, I am fascinated by the challenge of designing processes that reduce environmental impact while still supporting economic growth. In my environmental science elective, we modeled the carbon footprint of different manufacturing processes, and I was surprised by how small design tweaks—like reducing unnecessary heating cycles—could have a huge impact over time.
Yet, the article also emphasized the human element: job retraining, support for local communities, and collaboration with government. I believe the next generation of engineers must look beyond profit and efficiency, seeing ourselves as stewards of both the planet and society. This means championing sustainable practices even when they require up-front investment or a shift in mindset. Reading about Korea’s steelmakers, I realized that true progress means finding harmony between industrial advancement and environmental responsibility—a challenge I am eager to tackle as part of my future career.
Sunho Lee
- South Korea
- Male
- 12th Grade, Cornerstone Collegiate Academy
- Intended Major: Industrial Engineering
- Role: Managing Editor
- Introduction:
Curious about how technology can improve lives, I thrive on building systems that bring people together. As Managing Editor, I enjoy coordinating projects and helping our team grow. I hope to pursue industrial engineering and design solutions that bridge the gap between innovation and real-world needs.