Data science is changing our world in many different ways. Data and the associated data science innovations are changing everything: the way we work, the way we move, the way we interact, the way we care, the way we learn, and the way we socialize. As a result, many professions will cease to exist. For example, today’s call centers will disappear just like video rental shops disappeared. At the same time, new jobs, products, services, and opportunities emerge. Hence, it is important to understand the essence of data science. This extended abstract discusses the four essential elements of data science: “water” (availability, magnitude, and different forms of data), “fire” (irresponsible uses of data and threats related to fairness, accuracy, confidentiality, and transparency), “wind” (the way data science can be used to improve processes), and “earth” (the need for data science research and education). Next to providing an original view on data science, the abstract also highlights important next steps to ensure that data will not just change, but also improve our world.