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Population and Water Factsheet Living in a Water-Scarce World Water is essential to all life on Earth. There is no substitute for this finite resource that links human society to nature and serves as the lifeline to the planet’s ecosystems. At the most basic level, the water cycle maintains a balance within Earth’s ecological systems. Traveling through streams, lakes, rivers and marshes, water sustains life in remote regions and in populous urban landscapes. At each stage of the water cycle, pollution from ill-planned industry, agricultural development and heightened consumption from growing human numbers affect the quality and accessibility of water. Read the full Factsheet (PDF file) Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club