Riya Singh
Class of 2027San Ramon, CA
About
Hello! My name is Riya, and my project is on carbon pricing, carbon border policies, and steel decarbonization in the European Union, United States, and China. I chose to work on this project because I am interested in the intersection of environmental policy, economics, and business, and I wanted to explore how governments can reduce industrial emissions while maintaining economic competitiveness. After my project is complete, I would like to continue researching climate policy and pursue opportunities in business and law that focus on sustainable solutionsProjects
- "Pricing Carbon, Preventing Leakage: A Comparative Analysis of Steel Decarbonization in the European Union, United States, and China" with mentor Courtney (June 15, 2026)
Project Portfolio
Pricing Carbon, Preventing Leakage: A Comparative Analysis of Steel Decarbonization in the European Union, United States, and China
Started Dec. 23, 2025
Abstract or project description
Steel manufacturing is an important pillar of the world economy, accounting for about 7-9% of annual carbon dioxide emissions. This paper discusses the role of climate policy in providing emission reductions in the steel sector without compromising industrial competitiveness and carbon leakage. It discusses the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) within the framework of the USA’s subsidy-based model and China’s state-led industrial strategy. This paper uses comparative policy analysis and case studies of ArcelorMittal, Nucor, U.S. Steel, and China Baowu Steel Group to find that companies operating in environments with stronger climate policies are more likely to invest consistently in low-carbon technologies. The EU’s combination of carbon pricing and border adjustments provides the strongest and most coherent incentives, but China’s coordinated industrial planning shows that state-led investment can also accelerate technological change. In the United States, a hybrid model that combines carbon accountability with continuous investment incentives could be applied to accelerate steel decarbonization.