Water is life. This was the one and only line highlighted in my biology book. I laughed when I saw it, and commented to my roommate if she thought I could pass the test with just that one line. Water is life. However, after attending this year’s Nobel Conference about water my perspective on this simple molecular compound has changed. Yes, I have always thought that water is fascinating. As a kid I loved to dance in the rain with my brother and splash in each muddy puddle in the driveway. As I grew older I learned water’s significance in growing our garden in the backyard, and the terrible effects of each drought that hit the state. As a runner I appreciate my full Nalgene of cool, clean water that I carry with me 24/7. Water’s rehabilitating properties after miles of running are remarkable. In school I learned of water’s biological and chemical importance; properties such as adhesion and cohesion that make it such a vital part of photosynthesis and other biological processes. Yet even with this knowledge, attraction, and gratitude for water, I had never thought of water as LIFE.

I attended the Nobel presentations by Nancy Rabalais and Larry Rasmussen, both of which stressed the importance of water to life. Marine ecologist Nancy Rabalais discussed the importance of oxygen in our water supply. The focus of her presentation was on the growing hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. I was astounded by the consequences of this increasing phenomenon and the affects this type of water could have on the human body, let alone the environment. Her discussion on the blue algae was a special interest to me; that such a small microorganism could have such an enormous impact on life in the water. Larry Rasmussen’s presentation was focused on the ethics of water use, and how our choices can affect that of the world. I appreciated his use of the three chairs labeled: poor, nature, the future. These helped me to realize who is being most affected by either unclean water or limited water supply. One of my favorite quotes was, “No blue, no green. No green, no us.” Basically stating that without water there could be no vegetation, and without vegetation and the environment there would be NO life. A simple statement, but a powerful one.

I think it is quite the opportunity that Gustavus has to be able to host the Nobel conference. I know that I really enjoyed attending the lectures and listening to the discussion that took place. It helped to open my eyes to the reality of “water crisis” and the science behind it. I can now say that whoever owned the biology book before me got it right… WATER is LIFE.