Why is water essential for life on Earth?

Without water, there is no life. Water is all around us - in seas, lakes, rivers, soil and plants, but also in animals and humans. It makes up about 60 per cent of the composition of the human body. Why is this fascinating substance essential in sustaining life on Earth?

Water is the only substance in the world that can exist in three states of aggregation: liquid, Water is the only substance in the world that can exist in three states of aggregation: liquid, gas and solid. It is also called a universal solvent because of its properties that allow it to dissolve many different substances. 

As a component of our bodies, water helps to transport nutrients to the cells and supports the removal of metabolic products. It also ensures that we are properly hydrated, which is essential for our health. Among other things, water helps to: 

• regulating our body temperature, 
• in maintaining organ function, 
• in the proper functioning of the digestive system. 

In short, water is essential for the body to function properly. It is also needed for hygiene, and access to drinking water prevents the spread of many diseases. 

Hydrological cycle and biodiversity conservation 

Another important role for water is in agriculture. It is essential for growing the plants that form the basis of our diet, and it is agriculture that consumes around a third of the water used in Europe. Without adequate hydration, plants cannot carry out the process of photosynthesis, which enables them to produce food.  

Without water, animals would also be unable to cope, as they need it to drink, but not only. For animals and marine organisms, water forms the habitat, it is their home. Consequently, water plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity on Earth. 

The circulation of water in nature, or what is known as the hydrological cycle, is crucial to our planet by ensuring a constant supply of fresh water. Water from the oceans evaporates to form clouds, from which it falls as rain or snow. In this way, it irrigates the soil and replenishes the water supply.

The key role of water in climate stabilisation 

Water also plays an important role in regulating the planet's temperature. Large bodies of water, such as seas and oceans, store the sun's heat. Its slow release helps to stabilise the climate.

In summary, water is vital for human, plant and animal life and is one of the most precious resources on Earth. A shortage of water can lead to dehydration, which in turn can end in serious health consequences and even death. The presence and circulation of water makes the existence and development of life possible. Hence the importance of taking care of its resources, which affects both our planet and all its inhabitants.