THE BALANCE IS BROKEN!

In 'saving' Blue Water, and neglecting Green Water, humankind has put a dent in the laws of nature, as the water cycle, for the first time in recorded history, has gone off balance

- GARGI DESHPANDE

THE Earth as a planet can sustain life, because of the presence of Hydrogen and Oxygen, or in more simple terms, the presence of water. Scientists seek evidence of life on other planets by looking for traces of water. Our planet is mainly made up of water, and hence, life flourishes here.

However, the very planet that makes life possible for humans, is being destroyed at a colossal scale, by humans themselves, and another proof of the extreme effects of global warm ing is coming to light, as for the first time in recorded history, the hydrological cycle that moves water around the planet has gone off balance.

Before understanding the crisis, it is important to understand what is 'hydrological cycle' and why it is essential for the planet's sustenance. The hydrological cycle, also known as the global water cycle, is the continuous movement of water within the Earth and the atmosphere, and it plays an extremely crucial role in maintaining the planet's ecosystems, by regulating the climate and supporting life, humans included.

The water cycle is driven by solar energy and gravitational forces. Energy from the sun heats up bodies of water, causing evaporation. Water evaporates, cools, and condenses into clouds. Eventually, the accumulated water falls back to Earth as precipitation, replenishing rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies. This cycle is continuous, with water constantly moving through various forms and locations.