Water and Nature

Dow has tremendous appreciation for the critical importance of resilient watersheds and healthy ecosystems—and strive for a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship with them. It’s why we’re implementing a robust water stewardship and land management approach that conserves natural environments for the benefit of the planet, communities and business.

Gambia Mangroves. Aerial view of mangrove forest in Gambia. Photo made by drone from above. Africa Natural Landscape.

Healthy ecosystems are vital to our planet

Earth’s ecosystems depend on water

It touches every aspect of our lives and links with nearly every United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

The global economy depends on water and nature

A recent WEF report estimated that more than half of the world’s economic output is highly or moderately dependent on nature.

Healthy ecosystems can help mitigate climate change

Thriving ecosystems can be highly effective at sequestering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Dow Thailand plant

Water is one of Dow’s more impactful dependencies on nature

  • We use water in our daily operations primarily to manage heat generated by some manufacturing processes.
  • We consume a small amount in a few of our products and process technologies.

Did you know?
Approximately 96% of the water we withdraw is sustainably returned to the environment. 

Milestones moving forward

We have set milestones for water and nature, aligned with our Protect the Climate target. Take a look to see what we’re working toward.

Aerial view of Midland, MI

By 2030

We've implemented a robust land management strategy, our top 20 water-dependent sites have water stewardship plans, and 10 of those sites are water-resilient.

Dow employee looks out from tower in plant

By 2035

Every Dow site worldwide has implemented a water stewardship plan. Prioritized Dow sites have an action plan to drive conservation or regenerative change.

aerial view of lake and Dow site

By 2050

We've partnered to conserve 50,000 acres of habitat and our top 20 water-dependent sites are water-resilient.

Our approach to conserving watersheds and ecosystems

Managing site footprints more sustainably
We support business continuity through world-class water stewardship and positively impacting habitat through smart land management.
Engaging our entire supply chain
We are working to reduce the demand and impact on water and nature ecosystems beyond our gates.
Innovating with customers and partners
We deploy our innovation engine for products and solutions that are better for water and nature.
Collaborating to take action
We work alongside creative, innovative and like-minded organizations to support watersheds and healthy ecosystems that benefit all who rely on them.

  Collaborating to enhance water stewardship and biodiversity

Related stories

river with trees around

Environmental stewardship projects

Valuing nature through environmental stewardship and sustainable watershed management.

construction site

Investing in nature-based solutions

Find out how the Loch Leven project contributes to flood prevention and resilience in the Mississippi River watershed.

Volunteers

Dow Volunteers Support Thailand’s Mangrove Forests

Volunteering at the core of a healthy mangrove forest in Thailand.

Ongoing partnerships in conservation

birds flying over a wetland

Ducks Unlimited

We have expanded our relationship with Ducks Unlimited, a world-leader in conservation. Together, we aim to restore habitat and enhance biodiversity through impactful planning and innovative solutions.

aerial view of a river

Rivers are Life 

We are a founding member of Rivers are Life, a platform inspiring action to protect, conserve and explore the world’s rivers.

Dow’s water resilience index

Our next-generation water and nature strategy focuses on building water resilience for our sites and surrounding communities. Explore the factors we assess to understand water resilience.

2024 INtersections Progress Report:  Discover how we continue to advance our ambition.