Our efforts at Healthy Seas revolve around water. Water is essential for humans, for animals, for life.
This World Water Day, we celebrate water and delve into the fascinating properties that make it a vital element for our planet.
Hydration:
“Water is the most neglected nutrient in your body, but one of the most vital” – Henry David Thoreau
Water is hydration. Humans, with bodies composed of approximately 60% water, rely on water for critical bodily functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation, and temperature regulation. Our bodies use water to transport nutrients through the bloodstream. Without water, humans do not exist. Hydration is equally critical for the health of plants and ecosystems, influencing turgor pressure (the internal water pressure that maintains cell structure and prevents wilting), cell structure, and supporting functions like photosynthesis. Different habitats adapt to varying water levels, fostering biodiversity. Water also plays a key role in erosion control, temperature regulation, and the overall hydrological cycle. The adaptability of plants and ecosystems to varying water conditions underscores the intricate relationship between hydration and the flourishing of life on Earth.
➡️ Did you know the sensation of thirst is triggered by the brain’s detection of increased blood concentration during dehydration? Even mild dehydration can affect cognitive functions such as attention and memory, underscoring the essential role of water in sustaining optimal brain function.
Water is crucial for maintaining cellular hydration. It is a solvent that facilitates the transportation of nutrients into cells and the removal of waste products.
➡️ Did you know that water has a unique property called ‘negative ion potential’? When water droplets break apart and create negative ions, they can potentially have positive effects on mood and overall well-being. This phenomenon is often experienced near waterfalls, oceans, or after rainfall. So, besides its essential roles, water might also contribute to a positive psychological impact on humans in certain environments.
Force:
“Water is the driving force of all nature” – Leonardo da Vinci
Water is force. The energy resulting from motion, as in rivers or oceans, allows water to erode rocks, shape landscapes, and carve canyons over time. This erosive power forms our river valleys and coasts. Water’s density creates buoyancy, a force that allows objects to float. While boats float, submarines sink. Buoyancy plays a crucial role in hydraulic systems, where water is used to transmit power. This principle is applied in various technologies such as cars, dishwashers, airplanes, etc.
Water can absorb and retain a large amount of heat without significant temperature changes. This is called high heat capacity, which is crucial for regulating temperatures in natural environments and living organisms. Thanks to this, bodies of water act as heat sinks, stabilizing temperatures in the surrounding areas. The oceans store most of the Earth’s energy, acting as a massive heat sink. Without the heat-storage capacity offered by the oceans, the atmosphere would warm up faster.
Life:
“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” – Jacques Cousteau
Water is Life. Water is a fundamental source of energy, sustaining organisms by providing a medium for biochemical reactions essential for life (for instance, in photosynthesis, water is a crucial element). Aquatic environments provide habitats for the biodiversity on Earth. From microscopic organisms to large mammals, oceans and freshwater ecosystems are home to life. Did you know that approximately 78% of the world’s animals are found in water?
Peace:
“Water can create peace or spark conflict.” United Nations
Water plays a crucial role in fostering peace. Scarce or contaminated water, along with unequal access, can escalate tensions between communities and nations. Over 3 billion people depend on water crossing national borders, emphasizing interdependence. In a world facing climate change impacts and a growing population, uniting to protect and conserve water becomes paramount. Water scarcity or mismanagement can exacerbate geopolitical tensions, making water management an environmental imperative and a key factor in promoting global peace.
➡️ Did you know that 97.5% of Earth’s water is saline, with only 2.5% being freshwater? Of this freshwater, two-thirds are contained in polar ice caps and glaciers, leaving a mere 0.5% available in lakes, rivers, and groundwater for various purposes such as agriculture, industry, and personal use. Unfortunately, pollution poses a significant threat to this limited freshwater supply. Only 0.007% of the global water resources are safe for consumption. These numbers show how valuable water is and highlight the critical importance of responsible water management practices. As our population continues to grow, the demand for freshwater intensifies, making it essential for individuals, communities, and industries to prioritize sustainable water usage.
➡️ Did you know that it takes between 500 and 4,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilo of wheat? And that it takes 15,500 liters of water to produce one kilo of beef?
Connection:
“Water is the ultimate connector, weaving together the threads of life, flowing through every aspect of existence, binding us to each other and to the Earth itself.” – Unknown
Water connects us. The water flowing in the Amazon River might find its way to the Danube or cascade across the plateaus of Asia, or even be used to brew a soothing cup of coffee. Water, with its ability to flow through communities, ecosystems, and cultures, serves as a universal connector. It goes beyond providing sustenance, creating profound connections that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. For us, water is biodiversity, freedom, safety, the expansive ocean, a refreshing sea breeze against our faces, and the commitment to providing #ghostgear with a sustainable, second chance! Our goal is to create safer seas for all .
Join us as we celebrate World Water Day 2024 –
Take our quiz and test your knowledge!
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Pino, Olimpia, and F. L. Ragione. “There’s something in the air: Empirical evidence for the effects of negative air ions (NAI) on psychophysiological state and performance.” Res. Psychol. Behav. Sci 1 (2013): 48-53. [Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0085253815316215]
Edward, Peltzer, and Brewer Peter. “Why Does the Ocean Take Up so Much Heat? The Molecular Basis for Heat Capacity.” Authorea Preprints (2022). [Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/Archimedes-principle]
https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/jan/10/how-much-water-food-production-waste
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/06/species-dominate-world-habitats/