Threatened livelihood: Without water, there is no life

Water, once considered an abundant and self-evident resource, is increasingly becoming a scarce and critical element for human survival. The Earth, though often referred to as a water planet, three-quarters of its surface covered by oceans, is witnessing growing concerns over the availability and quality of freshwater. Regions such as the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of the United States are already experiencing shortages, raising urgent questions about the future of life on this planet. Environmental and climate advocates warn that without access to clean water, the very foundation of existence is under threat. According to the United Nations, the world is entering an era marked by unprecedented global water scarcity, with dwindling reserves and irreversible losses of fresh water resources. The issue has gained renewed attention through the work of Mojib Latif, a climatologist and oceanographer of Pakistani origin who has been based in Hamburg and is currently a professor at the University of Kiel and the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research (Geomar). His recent book delves into the central role of water in sustaining human civilization and highlights the risks posed by environmental degradation and misuse. Latif presents a detailed analysis of the state of water globally, emphasizing how human activities have led to problems such as drinking water shortages, groundwater depletion, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification. He approaches these issues with clarity and expertise, avoiding alarmist rhetoric while underscoring the gravity of the situation. Latif's book is structured into eight chapters and includes annotations that provide context and additional insights. Starting with the formation of the universe and the geological history of Earth, he traces how the planet became unique in the solar system due to its ample supply of water, which supported early civilizations. However, he quickly shifts focus to contemporary challenges, including rising water consumption driven by climate change, population growth, and human exploitation. He identifies key global indicators of crisis, such as water scarcity and widespread contamination, noting that chemical pollutants, pharmaceutical residues, oil spills, and especially microplastics pose serious threats to both water quality and the biosphere. In Germany, Latif observes that the country’s water situation appears relatively stable due to sufficient rainfall brought by the westerly winds. Yet even here, the impact of climate change looms large, with water playing a crucial role in regulating local climates and acting as a heat reservoir that amplifies global temperatures. Rising temperatures lead to increased moisture in the atmosphere, triggering extreme weather events such as heatwaves, storms, and floods, all of which threaten ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health. One of the most alarming aspects of Latif’s analysis is his examination of the world’s oceans, which serve as repositories for vast amounts of long-lasting microplastics and other harmful substances. These "silent killers" accumulate in marine environments, contributing to ecological imbalance. As the oceans warm due to climate change, they become more unstable, accelerating species extinction, destroying coral reefs, and causing sea levels to rise. Another largely invisible yet equally concerning phenomenon is ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of increasing amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process converts greenhouse gases into carbonic acid, lowering the pH level of seawater and harming organisms that rely on calcium carbonate structures, such as corals and shellfish. Latif emphasizes the urgency of implementing global measures to prevent further water scarcity, environmental destruction, and extreme weather conditions. He argues that technological solutions alone will not suffice; instead, systemic changes are required, including a radical shift towards circular economies that prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency. His work serves as a wake-up call, urging societies to recognize the fragility of their relationship with water and take immediate action to preserve this vital resource for future generations.