Original illustration by Sally Deng © 2021.

Prayers of Steel

This three-part miniseries explores the story of steel through the intersections of climate, race, technology, and culture.

Prayers of Steel is part of Threshold Season 4: Time to 1.5.


How to Listen

Listen for free on our website, or anywhere you find podcasts, including on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Castbox, and more.


Episodes

Prayers of Steel I

Steel is an essential component of the wind turbines, electric cars, and climate-friendly buildings we’ll need in a decarbonized world. But making steel requires mountains of coal.

In this episode, we explore the costs and benefits of our industrial processes on people, communities, and the climate through the story of Gary, Indiana.


Prayers of Steel II

While steel is one of the most useful materials humans have ever created, it’s also one of the most damaging to the climate and to the people who work in and live near these mills.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of racism, industrialization, and climate change in Gary, Indiana. Also Michael Jackson.


Prayers of Steel III

If the steel industry were a country, it would be the world's third-largest emitter. So to prevent a climate catastrophe, this industry has to fundamentally change.

In this episode, we travel to northern Sweden to explore how a greener process could revolutionize the iron and steel industry, dramatically reduce fossil fuel emissions, and make life better for people in industrial communities.