Water in the era of digital, energy and ecological transitions

Water is ubiquitous on Earth, where it first appeared three billion years ago. It covers around 71% of the globe and has a volume of 1,350 billion m ³ . Of this volume, however, only 0.7% is available freshwater. It is the only substance to exist in all three states: solid, liquid and vapor.

The water molecule has amazing properties:

• its solid form is lighter than its liquid form, so ice floats;

• it has an enormous surface tension that allows it to get wet and fit everywhere;

• it has a high heat of vaporization, hence its ability to store large quantities of heat, the oceans thus playing a role in stabilizing the Earth's temperature;

• it is a powerful polar solvent, storing sodium chloride and carbon dioxide. The role of the oceans, which are capable of storing huge quantities of greenhouse gases, is therefore crucial in the current climate disruption.

Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, but its properties (solvent power) and thermal properties (heat of vaporization and condensation) make it an essential thermal regulator for life on Earth.

Water is the source of life, but today it's an endangered resource. Currently, over 2 billion people in the world do not have access to quality water.

Pollution of the seas and oceans, essentially of anthropogenic origin, is a major problem for humanity. The seas and oceans have become the receptacle for all the waste products of our consumer society. The "Gyres", these "continents" drifting with the sea currents, made up of plastic residues (tires, particles from washing machines, etc.), are perhaps among the most distressing sights to be seen. Water tables are not spared either, with pollution and overexploitation exceeding their capacity for renewal.

Due to its uneven distribution around the world and the effects of climate change, which are exacerbating episodes of water stress, water is also taking on geopolitical importance, which is growing with the increase in the world's population. In the years to come, access to water will represent a growing source of border conflicts.

Having an abundance of quality water at your tap is an asset that users don't usually measure.

From an economic point of view, water also plays an essential role in many uses, including agriculture for irrigation, industry and domestic use.

To be used, water must be collected, often treated and distributed. It must be constantly analyzed and monitored to ensure that it meets the characteristics required for...