Photo Credit: Nick Mclaren
The Northern Illawarra escarpment is under threat from long wall and coal seam gas mining. Peter Turner is passionate about this unique environment, and in the coming weeks will be participating in the Water Is project.
Water is life. A simple molecule comprised of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms, the unique physical and chemical properties of water are the basis for life on Earth. Science suggests life would not have begun on Earth without water and water is unquestionably essential for life as we know it today. The cells of all forms of life are between 50 and 90 % water, and we humans are mostly made of water.
On Earth all three forms of water co-exist in a generally benign life-supporting equilibrium. While clouds of its vapour float in the atmosphere above, the solid form, ice, floats on the liquid water of the oceans. The solid form of a material floating on its liquid form is very unusual – it’s almost bizarre. Yet life on Earth as we know it would not be possible if this were not the case. Water is special.
Clean fresh water sources are increasingly threatened by human population growth and the seemingly relentless degradation of the environment caused by urban, industrial and agricultural development and expansion. Protecting and nurturing water catchment lands and waterways is an increasingly vital responsibility required of each generation, so that all may enjoy the benefits of fresh clean water now and into the future.
ABC Open
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