Water is one of the most essential substances on Earth. It covers about 71% of our planet’s surface and exists in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even underground. Despite being so abundant, only a small fraction – around 2.5% – is freshwater, which we rely on for drinking, cooking, farming, and sanitation. Most of this freshwater is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving less than 1% accessible for human use.
The world’s oceans are a precious resource, but they’re not everlasting, especially if we continue to mistreat them in the way we do. The ocean’s true value to our planet and human life can’t and shouldn’t be underestimated and that’s why it’s important we act now to protect and save them from the growing levels of pollution.
The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water around the Earth, helping to keep our planet’s ecosystems balanced. It begins when the sun heats up water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and even the soil. This heat causes the water to evaporate, turning it from a liquid into a gas called water vapour. Plants also contribute through a process called transpiration, where water is released from leaves into the air.
Water is often taken for granted, especially in places where it flows easily from taps or falls regularly from the sky. Yet this clear, tasteless liquid is one of the most vital resources on Earth. Without it, life would not exist.
Water is essential to life. We drink it, bathe in it, and use it in countless ways every day. However, water can also pose serious risks when it becomes contaminated, scarce, or uncontrolled. Understanding these dangers helps us take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Each year, waterborne diseases afflict hundreds of millions of people, primarily those living without safe, accessible water in developing countries.
Water is essential for life. We drink it, use it for cooking, cleaning, and even for creating the food we eat. Yet, despite its importance, we often take water for granted. In many parts of the world, water scarcity is a daily reality, and even in places where water is plentiful, wastefulness can still have negative impacts. As teenagers, becoming more aware of water conservation can make a big difference – both for our environment and our future.
97.5% of the world’s water is locked in seas and oceans, too salty for human use. And most of the remaining 2.5% is in the ice caps.
European State of the Climate report ‘lays bare’ impact of fossil fuels on continent during its hottest 12 months on record.
By Ajit Niranjan
Around the globe, hotter temperatures stoked by climate change are increasing the odds of both severe drought and heavier precipitation that can wreak havoc on people and the environment.
By Tammy Webber and Donavon Brutus
Unesco report highlights ‘unprecedented’ glacier loss driven by climate crisis, threatening ecosystems, agriculture and water sources.
By Fiona Harve,y Environment editor
Staying hydrated is a simple – but incredibly important – task.
By Camilla Foster
Landmark review says urgent action needed to conserve resources and save ecosystems that supply fresh water.
By Fiona Harvey, Environment editor
Climate breakdown, an increasing population and a lack of new infrastructure are factors contributing to water scarcity.
By Helena Horton, Environment reporter
As the climate crisis intensifies, it shrinks and contaminates the water we rely on. We need to act now to reduce the existing and emerging threat that this poses to our health.
By Simge Eva Dogan
Overview
Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes. Improved water supply and sanitation, and better management of water resources, can boost countries’ economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction.
By Declan Conway
Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid are still a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. As climate change increasingly impacts global temperatures and weather events, the risk of these infectious diseases will only worsen. But there are actions we can take to reduce these risks.
By Stephen Makinde
Good hydration is one of the most important aspects of the diet – drinking enough liquids to keep the fluid levels in the body topped up helps to ensure that all bodily functions are able to take place as normal. Here, Johanna Hignett looks at how much we need to drink, what kind of drinks to choose and the signs of dehydration.
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