Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

ADA University, one of the prestigious universities of Azerbaijan, hosted "Climate change and global warming” lecture as part of Global Perspectives Lecture Series on March 16.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan's first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder and Head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva, president of Azerbaijan Engineering Academy, Rector of National Aviation Academy, Academician Arif Pashayev, MPs, foreign ambassadors and students of ADA University and other universities of the country.

In his remarks, rector of ADA University, Azerbaijani deputy FM Hafiz Pashayev highlighted the importance of the topic, saying that Global warming is considered to be a priority area of concern for all countries.

He said ADA University also attaches particular importance to this topic, adding that extensive researches are being carried out by the university`s center for environmental and energy issues.

Pashayev provided an insight into the activities of ADA University, saying the institution is actively involved in tree-planting and other environmental campaigns.

Well-known space researcher, professor at ADA University Roald Sagdeev gave a lecture on climate change and global warming.

He hailed the Paris summit on climate change, which was successfully held last December, but said the summit did not guarantee complete fulfillment of the goals to prevent global warming.

He noted that global warming created certain difficulties for global civilization, emphasizing the necessity of reducing carbon emissions.

Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyngulu Baghirov noted that the Azerbaijani government fully complies with its obligations of international organizations.

He noted that significant work was done to protect the environment during the tenure of national leader Heydar Aliyev, adding that this environmental policy is being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev.

The minister hailed environmental projects realized in Azerbaijan with the support of IDEA Public Union and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Leyla Aliyeva, for her part, said the IDEA has implemented a number of projects aimed at protecting the nature and environment.

Founder and Head of IDEA Public Union noted that man and nature are the most valuable things that the mankind has.

"Nature does not wait. We must do it now." said Aliyeva, expressing confidence that everyone can contribute to saving the environment.

Roald Sagdeev then responded to participants' questions.

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva also asked him a question: "Mr. Sagdeev, do you think there is a common platform through which we can prevent threats faced by the entire planet? Do you think it is possible to develop any ethical mechanisms in fighting against this threat and other challenges facing humanity today? Or this is just a beautiful, utopian idea?"

Roald Sagdeev said that this is a very deep issue.

“Perhaps the answers of optimists and pessimists will be different here. I even heard such an idea that when it comes to this issue it is even impossible to convince audience, the majority of people based on scientific and practical arguments. Maybe we will need something like the ecological religion, religion of the land and nature to save mankind,” he emphasized.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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