hen I decided to share my views on wildlife for this edition of We Connect, my instant thought was, “What’s Earth without Water? Whatever forms of life we have on Earth are because of this unique element.” From an early age, I was drawn to its fluidity and calmness, the way it can soothe and infuse energy. There is no denying that spending time with water has numerous benefits because there are several similarities between our biological mother and water. Both are life-giving, nurturing, and protective. They both have the power to heal and sustain life and remind us of the beauty and fragility of our existence. No wonder, in most cultures, people are incredibly grateful for its presence in life. Water is the most abundant substance on Earth, covering approximately 71% of the planet’s surface. It exists in a range of forms, including glaciers, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and oceans. Water is also a crucial component of every living organism. Depending on the species and the age of the organism, the percentage of water in its body can vary. Human beings are made up of around 60% water, and this can range from 45-75%, depending on factors such as age, gender, and overall health. Other species also have varying water content with fish being made up of up to 80% water and plants typically containing between 80-95% water. The importance of water for living organisms cannot be overstated. It is involved in many vital biological processes, including maintaining the structure of cells, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and waste products, and facilitating chemical reactions. Without water, life as we know it would not be possible. Water is essential to all forms of life on Earth, including wildlife. From tiny insects to massive mammals, water is a critical component of their survival. However, in recent years, the quality and availability of water have become major concerns for wildlife around the world.
But what is Water? I wish to share some data surrounding this important issue.
Water is an essential element for life on Earth. It is a unique substance that exists in three different states: solid, liquid, and gas, making it an incredibly versatile and valuable resource. It is a polar molecule, meaning that it has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other. This property makes water an excellent solvent, capable of dissolving a wide range of substances, including salts, sugars, and gases. Water also has a high specific heat capacity, which means that it can absorb and release large amounts of heat without changing temperature significantly. This property makes it an excellent regulator of temperature in the environment. In addition to sustaining life on Earth, Water has also played a significant role in the development of human civilisation. From ancient times, humans have relied on water for transportation, irrigation, and energy generation. An essential resource for industry, agriculture, and households, it must be protected and managed carefully to ensure its availability for future generations.
Water Quality and Wildlife
One of the most significant impacts of water on wildlife is water quality. Pollution, runoff, and other factors have a significant impact on the health of animals and their habitats. Water pollution is one of the top three threats to wildlife. Some of the most common pollutants include:
• Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, fertilisers, and other chemicals used in agriculture contaminate nearby water sources, leading to toxic conditions for wildlife.
• Industrial Pollution: Factories and other industrial operations often release toxic chemicals into waterways, causing harm to both wildlife and humans.
• Sewage: Untreated sewage can release harmful bacteria and other contaminants into water sources, making them uninhabitable for many species.
These pollutants can have a range of impacts on wildlife. For example, pesticides and other chemicals can harm fish and other aquatic species, while industrial pollution can lead to deformities and other health issues in wildlife. Additionally, sewage can cause an overgrowth of algae and other organisms, leading to oxygen depletion and death of fish and other aquatic life.
Water Availability and Wildlifewas the most difficult period?
Many species rely on specific water sources for survival, whether it is a nearby river, lake, or other body of water. However, climate change, drought, and other factors can impact the availability of water for these animals. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, climate change is likely to have a significant impact on freshwater availability for wildlife. For example, changes in precipitation patterns could lead to drought conditions in some areas, while increased flooding could harm aquatic ecosystems in others. Human development leads to the loss of critical wetlands and other habitats, leading to a decline in available water sources for wildlife
India, now the country with the highest population in the world, water quantity and quality are going to be of even more serious concern. Many people and animals are suffering from the effects of contaminated water. According to a report by the National Green Tribunal, over 70% of India’s water resources are polluted. This pollution has a range of impacts on both humans and animals, including illness, disease, and death. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.5 million people in India die each year from diseases caused by contaminated water.
It is crucial that steps are taken to address this issue, including better regulation of industries that contribute to pollution, investment in water treatment infrastructure, and increased public awareness about the importance of clean water. Failure to act could have devastating consequences for the environment and the people and animals that rely on it.
It is essential that we manage this precious resource carefully so that we protect wildlife and human health for generations to come.
After all, the water cycle and the life cycle are one.
