Global change

More about the book

Water is essential for life, playing a crucial role in our planet's climate system. Atmospheric water vapor is the most significant greenhouse gas, contributing to over 60% of the greenhouse effect. Without it, Earth's average temperature would plummet to around -18 °C. Water is fundamental for biodiversity; all living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans, consist of 50–80% water. Scarcity or pollution of water can lead to stress, illness, or death. The future of humanity is at risk when clean water is insufficient. Water undergoes a natural cycle, allowing for self-purification as it moves through soil and rock layers. Access to clean water is a universal right, recognized in international treaties. However, uneven precipitation distribution leads to water scarcity in many regions. Currently, 1.2 billion people lack secure access to clean drinking water, and 2.4 billion do not have proper sanitation. Millions of children die annually from water pollution. While Europeans consume 130–150 liters of water daily, many in sub-Saharan Africa have less than 20 liters. Climate change exacerbates this crisis, primarily due to emissions from industrialized nations. Glaciers, particularly vulnerable to warming, are shrinking, intensifying water cycle issues. In humid regions, precipitation increases, while arid areas face declines, leading to expanding drought-prone zones.