Water is one of the most important things on earth. Every living
thing needs water for its survival. Without water, plants, animals,
microbes - everything, will perish.
Our bodies are composed of
about 75% water. So we are literally walking bags of water. Water allows
our blood to flow through the blood vessels thus supplying the body
with vital nutrients. Also water allows waste matter to be eliminated
from the body via the excretory system. Our need for water becomes very
apparent when we are thirsty. The taste of water going down the throat
is something we all find so much pleasure in. We drink glasses of this
precious transparent liquid everyday. It is vital to our life.
The
first civilizations of man started near rivers. The Nile, the Tigris
and Euphrates were where man began to establish themselves on the earth.
In all parts of the world, the major rivers played a major part in the
evolution of man.
Water is used for drinking, washing, cleaning
and just about any activity we care to do. Without water, living is
virtually impossible.
Water covers about two thirds of the total
surface of the earth. The vast expanse of seas and oceans has long been
our major sources of food and means of travel. Millions of fishes live
in the sea. They provide an abundant supply of food. Most of us have
eaten fish, with exceptions of those who do not eat meat. The majority
of mankind will continue to eat fish.
The rivers, seas and oceans
provide man with an important means of travel. In ancient times, man
explored the earth via the sea. The British, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch
and others all reached the less developed world in their ships. They
conquered or colonized what they discovered. Much of what we are today
are influenced by the travelers who came over the seas in their ships
long ago.
Today the waterways of the world are still of major
importance to mankind. Huge oil tankers, container ships and others ply
these routes. In fact many of the sea routes are overcrowded.
When
there is shortage of water such as when there is a drought, then we
know how terrible the consequences can be. Plants, animals and human
beings perish. The affected land becomes parched and dry. Nothing grows.
In the midst of the Sahara Desert where there is very little rain,
there is also very little life. Mostly we get sand and more sand. No man
can live there.
People who live near or around deserts know the
value of water. They know how precious it is and they take great care
using it. We, who live in a land where water is plentiful, think nothing
of standing under the shower for half and hour. Those who live in arid
areas do not have such a luxury. They cannot afford to waste water like
we do.
As long as there is life on this planet, water will be
here. Without it, life as we know it is impossible. Thus it is important
for us to know how precious water is. We ought not to waste it or
pollute it by any means. Water is just too precious.
