We explain the importance of water and why it is essential for the development of life on the planet. Also, its social and environmental implications.
What is the importance of water?
Water is a fundamental natural element for the development of life. It is one of the most abundant substances on the planet and covers most of the Earth. All living beings need water to live and develop, and it is essential for most economic activities carried out by human beings. Not only is it necessary for human hydration and food production, but it also plays a crucial role in numerous industrial and energy generation processes.
Furthermore, water supply directly influences people's health since consumption of unsafe water can cause serious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and hepatitis A.
Water is essential for the development of biodiversity on Earth. Rivers, lakes and oceans are home to a wide variety of life forms and terrestrial ecosystems depend on the availability of water to maintain their functionality and stability.
Water plays a central role in climate regulation. Through processes such as evaporation, condensation and precipitation, water influences the distribution of different climate patterns on Earth. A rainier climate contributes to the formation of dense and varied ecosystems such as forests and jungles, and an arid climate contributes to the formation of drier and desert landscapes.
In addition, water can contribute to triggering very severe environmental problems. The fall of a large amount of rainwater in a short time can cause flooding, while extended periods without precipitation can lead to extreme droughts.
Water can be found in a liquid state (in rivers, streams, lakes, lagoons, aquifers, oceans and seas); in solid state (in glaciers and polar caps) and in gaseous state (in water vapor).
For humans
Water is an element of vital importance for the survival and biological functionality of human beings It constitutes an essential component of the body and of various physiological functions. Water contributes to the maintenance of body temperature and serves as a means of transport for nutrients, gases and waste at the cellular level, which allows the absorption and metabolism of substances essential for the functioning of the body.
The thermoregulation process of the human body depends on water. When the body heats up, perspiration occurs to release heat, which helps maintain body temperature within healthy ranges.
Water is the transport medium for nutrients in the body. It allows nutrients to dissolve and be transported through the blood to cells, where they are used for energy and growth. Additionally, water facilitates the elimination of waste products from the body through urine and feces.
For economic activities
Water is essential for the development of most economic activities. Almost 90% of water consumption on the planet corresponds to economic activities, and only 12% is used domestically.
The main economic activities that depend on water are:
- Agriculture. It represents 70% of water use on the planet. Agriculture is one of the economic sectors most dependent on water, as it is essential for irrigating crops. Water scarcity or inadequate management can negatively impact agricultural productivity and food supply.
- Industry. Various industrial processes require large quantities of water for cooling, washing and production. Chemical, textile, food and manufacturing industries rely heavily on access to abundant water sources.
- Mining. Mining is another industry that uses large amounts of water in processes such as mining, processing and transporting minerals.
- Energy. Hydroelectric, thermal or nuclear power plants depend directly on the water supply. Cooling power plants and generating steam for electricity production are processes that require large amounts of water.
- Transport. Transportation systems across rivers and oceans are essential for international trade and the transportation of goods.
- Tourism. Many activities and tourist attractions are found in aquatic environments such as beaches, lakes and rivers. The availability of clean water is essential for tourism.
For living beings
Water is an element of vital importance for living beings. Its importance is manifested in various biological aspects of flora, fauna and ecosystems. For plants, water is essential in photosynthesis the process by which they capture solar energy and convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen.
In addition, water facilitates the absorption of nutrients. Thanks to their roots, plants absorb minerals dissolved in the soil and transport them through the tissues where they use them for various organic and metabolic functions.
Water is a vital element also for animals. Most of its chemical and organic processes require water to carry them out. In addition, it is necessary for hydration, and a lack of water in the animals' bodies can produce serious organic consequences and lead to death.
In the circulatory systems of many animal species, water plays a fundamental role in the transport of nutrients, especially through the blood. Besides, Animals use water to regulate their body temperature, to digest food, and to excrete waste through urine and feces.
For ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems such as oceans, rivers, lakes and wetlands are home to a wide variety of life forms. Water provides habitat and sustenance for numerous species such as fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and microorganisms. The quality of water and its availability are determinants for the health of these ecosystems and the biodiversity they house.
Water participates in essential biogeochemical cycles that regulate the availability of nutrients and elements in ecosystems. The water cycle facilitates the distribution of essential nutrients, influencing the productivity and health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Furthermore, water is a source of vital resources for ecosystems and for human beings. Aquatic ecosystems, in particular, are essential for fishing and food provision, as well as recreation and tourism. Additionally, wetlands act as natural filters that improve water quality and provide habitats for animal and plant life.
For the weather
Large bodies of water, especially oceans, play a crucial role in regulating global climate. They absorb heat from the sun and redistribute it through ocean currents that influence regional and global weather patterns. The oceans also act as a reservoir for carbon dioxide, which helps regulate the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The water cycle is also an essential process for climate regulation. It involves the evaporation of water from the earth's surface and its subsequent condensation in the form of clouds, followed by precipitation in the form of rain or snow. This perpetual cycle redistributes heat and humidity in the atmosphere, influencing the formation of different climates on the Earth's surface.
Additionally, water has a high thermal capacity, meaning it can absorb and retain large amounts of heat. This regulation of Ocean temperatures influence regional weather patterns and help moderate temperatures in coastal areas. Water vapor, for its part, is a natural greenhouse gas, which means that it contributes to maintaining the temperature of the atmosphere at levels that allow the development of life on Earth.
On the other hand, Water vapor in the atmosphere condenses to form clouds that can produce precipitation. The distribution of humidity and the amount of precipitation are determining factors for distributing the availability of fresh water on Earth. The way water is distributed in the form of precipitation can trigger extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and storms.
Environmental problems and the importance of water
The main environmental problems related to water are:
- Safe water supply. Access to clean water is essential for human health. Consumption of contaminated water can lead to diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery.
- water shortage. In many regions of the world, freshwater scarcity is a serious problem. The overexploitation of aquifers and poor management of water resources (especially in areas where water is a scarce resource) can cause severe problems for the population and economic activities.
- water pollution. Water pollution from industrial, agricultural and domestic waste represents a threat to the quality of drinking water. Substances such as pesticides, heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms can cause serious diseases in the population and alter the balance of ecosystems.
- Unequal access to drinking water. The lack of equitable access to safe water disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations and people living in isolated places without safe water supplies. Globally, more than 2.5 billion people lack access to safe water sources.
- The floods. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes and tropical storms in many regions of the world. These events endanger an increasing number of people.
- The droughts. Global climate change also deepens drought phenomena, which extends and intensifies the periods in which there is no rain or less rain than expected. This affects the water supply and economic activities that produce food such as agriculture or livestock.
- Importance of the water cycle
- Aquatic ecosystem
- Water care
References
- Molina Salgado, R. (2021) Importance of water and socio-environmental problems. Government of Mexico. https://www.gob.mx/
- National Geographic (2023) This is how climate change affects the planet's water. https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/
- Rodríguez, L (2014) The importance of the economic and social value of water. Aquae Foundation. https://www.fundacionaquae.org/
- Roldán, L (2020) Why is water important for living beings? Green Ecology. https://www.ecologiaverde.com/
- UNICEF (2019) 1 in 3 people in the world do not have access to drinking water. https://www.unicef.org/
