Providing humanity with a sustainable energy supply while addressing climate change is one of the most urgent issues the world faces. As the premier chemical producer and one of the largest industrial energy users, no one has more at stake in the solution — or more of an ability to have an impact on — the overlapping issues of energy and climate change than we do.
Dow is working aggressively to devise global solutions, leveraging our expertise in chemistry and innovation, to achieve technological breakthroughs that will combat climate change and improve energy security.
Dow's vision is reflected in our 2015 Sustainability Goals — a public commitment to hold ourselves accountable in the pursuit of solutions to pressing global challenges, including climate change and energy. Dow will implement its solutions in the context of the wedge stabilization model developed by Princeton University professors Robert Socolow and Stephen Pacala. This model provides a framework for utilizing existing technologies and practices and developing new technologies that will lead to a world in carbon equilibrium. We have chosen this path fully understanding the complexities but confident knowing the strength of the Human Element and our own record of success.
Since 1990, we have improved our energy efficiency by 38% and reduced our absolute greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20%, a level that exceeds Kyoto Protocol targets. We intend to reduce GHG intensity by 2.5% per year reduction in emissions per pound of produced product, from a 2005 baseline by 2015. By 2025, our pledge is to stop the growth of absolute emissions of GHG within the company.
Dow is uniquely positioned to continue to innovate concepts that lead to energy alternatives, less carbon-intensive raw material sources, and other products and solutions not yet imagined. We are one of the biggest producers in the world of products, including STYROFOAM™, that reduce energy use. Our efforts in the development of biofuels, solar and wind energy, and feedstocks made from alternative and renewable sources are resulting in groundbreaking applications that will have global implications.
We are a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership that is encouraging Congress to enact mandatory climate legislation promptly. We believe a cap-and-trade system will establish the policy framework needed to limit atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. Click here for our legislative principles.
We are also calling for additional domestic production of clean-burning natural gas. The high cost of the fuel, one of the keys to helping address climate change, is driving U.S. manufacturing jobs abroad. And yet, some in Congress want to restrict domestic production further, which would buoy high prices and imperil industries. Click here for more on natural gas.
