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Urban Water Challenges
At present, there is a debate raging throughout the world's water sector. It's a debate that pins infrastructure against progress. And it's one that won't be going away anytime soon.
The debate is over the quality of water. The U.S. alone treats approximately 40 billion gallons of water a day to drinkable standards. 99 percent of this water will never be used for human consumption, instead used primarily for irrigation and industrial use.
As water demand rises, and renewable water becomes increasingly difficult to access, this overtaxing of our water infrastructure will begin to be felt not just by cities, but by everyone.
Blueprints for newer cities all over the states are taking a more thoughtful approach to water treatment. A trend that's emerging worldwide, finding human solutions to human problems.
- Dow's Commitment to Water
- Dow Makes Water Purification Plants Possible for Villages in India
- Dow Water Solutions
- More on FILMTEC Membrane Applications
Light Legislation
As solar technology progresses, new emphasis will be placed on smart public policy.
In places like Japan, Germany and Spain, the incentives to adopt solar both publicly and privately are substantial. Consumer-level solar users who contribute power to the grid are compensated for their energy – this in addition to the power they've generated for themselves. At present, the way these foreign governments encourage the use of solar energy is similar to how the U.S. encourages its ethanol farmers.
These pioneers abroad are using public policy to drive the adoption of alternative energy sources. The effect is two-fold. It lessens the reliance on traditional sources of energy, while increasing public support for cleaner, forward-thinking technologies.
The push for solar in the private sector is redefining our energy infrastructure, and independent installations are putting power within reach for everyone. It's another way chemistry becomes the work of humanity. And it's an example of the Human Element in action.
- Climate Change
- Energy Efficiency & Conservation
- More on Building Integrated Photovoltaics
- Dow partners with Global Solar Energy
The New Consumer
7E+09
The population of the world.
It's growth fueled by emerging populations, evolving populations. And as they progress, the way the world works is forever changed. Each revolution is felt like waves, of industry, of commerce, of declaration – we are here.
It is how the world supports this new generation of consumer that will dictate how we progress together, as a society. They are the new consumers.
We find them in China, a population recently in the global spotlight. A culture, progressing rapidly, a population beginning to want – things, comforts, status. But as cultures like this emerge, the industry is strained. It's taking the work of companies all around the world to make products a different way. Products made with entire populations in mind as well as the future.
It's why Dow is at the heart of the emerging electronics industry. Creating a broad set of resins that enhance product capabilities like heat performance, and reusability. Additionally, Dow is working to create more efficient portable fuel systems for consumer devices, satisfying the demands of progress.
This is the ultimate goal of a chemistry that embraces the Human Element, the betterment of people, and the improvement of life, everywhere.
Connecting Humanity
7E+09
The population of the world.
Just as we grow, as people, and as a population, the world grows. It too is an organism. It lives. It breathes. It creates. We traverse this planet seeking to be closer, or farther away. And each day we use products made on the other side of the globe, often without considering what makes this possible.
The circulatory system of the planet.
This ever-growing network of roads, of highways, of rails. They connect us with what we need and who we love. And just like our circulatory system, they are in a constant state of decay and regeneration.
We must work to rebuild, sustain and develop the transportation architecture of today and tomorrow. Better roads increase fuel economy; lighter rail increases speed, improving life for everyone.
It's why Dow is developing cooling resins designed to increase the life expectancy of roads, and reduce maintenance. Other advancements in snow and ice control are extending this circulatory to new, unheard-of places.
These are signs of progress. They are what happens when chemistry becomes the work of humanity. Human problems meet human solutions. That, is the Human Element in action.