[Verse 1]
Oh, no, no, no
Here we go
Don’t we know
H 2 Oh
[Bridge]
Without the flow
We can’t go
We can’t grow
Oh, no, no, no
[Chorus]
Cellular dysfunction
Humans at the junction
At the crossroads
With burdensome loads
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse ]
Oh, whoa, woe, woah
Here we go
Don’t we know
H 2 Oh
[Bridge]
Without the flow
We can’t go
We can’t grow
Oh, no, no, no
[Chorus]
Cellular dysfunction
Humans at the junction
At the crossroads
With burdensome loads
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Piano]
A SCIENCE NOTE
Water (H₂O) is critical for human life due to its unique and essential properties that support various physiological processes. Here are several key reasons why water is vital:
1. Hydration and Cellular Function
- Cellular Structure and Function: Water is a major component of cells, constituting about 70-80% of cell mass. It is crucial for maintaining cell structure and function.
- Biochemical Reactions: Many biochemical reactions, including those involved in metabolism, occur in aqueous environments. Water acts as a solvent, facilitating the transport of nutrients and waste products into and out of cells.
2. Temperature Regulation
- Thermoregulation: Water helps regulate body temperature through sweating and respiration. When the body heats up, sweat (which is primarily water) evaporates from the skin, cooling the body down.
3. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
- Digestive Processes: Water is essential for digestion. It helps break down food so that nutrients can be absorbed by the intestines. Saliva, which begins the digestive process, is mostly water.
- Nutrient Transport: Water aids in the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to cells and the removal of waste products from the body.
4. Lubrication and Cushioning
- Joint Lubrication: Water serves as a lubricant and cushion for joints. Synovial fluid, which is found in joints, is rich in water and helps reduce friction during movement.
- Protection of Organs and Tissues: Water cushions and protects vital organs and tissues, including the brain and spinal cord, against shock and injury.
5. Detoxification and Waste Removal
- Excretion: Water is vital for the excretion of waste products through urine and sweat. The kidneys filter blood to remove toxins and waste, which are then excreted in urine. Adequate hydration is necessary for the kidneys to function effectively.
6. Maintaining Blood Volume and Circulation
- Blood Volume: Water is a key component of blood, which is necessary for the circulation of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body.
- Cardiovascular Health: Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume, which is essential for cardiovascular health and maintaining blood pressure.
7. Supporting Cognitive Function
- Brain Function: The brain is about 75% water. Proper hydration is necessary for optimal brain function, including mood regulation, cognitive performance, and memory.
8. Preventing Dehydration-Related Issues
- Dehydration Risks: Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.
Sources:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Mayo Clinic
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Water’s role in these and other functions underscores its importance to human health and life. Without adequate water, these critical processes cannot function optimally, leading to health issues and, ultimately, jeopardizing survival.
Humans will experience greater loss and damage to life and quality of life from air pollution, decreasing supply of potable water, extreme weather events, disease, and other adverse health outcomes. The greatest short term climate change risk to human health is deadly humid heat (wet-bulb temperature).