Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

As part of a series of events dedicated to Science Day, the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Biology organized a scientific seminar on “Global Warming.”

The keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy, a zoologist, entomologist, and member of the academic staff of Hacettepe University. The seminar focused on the threats posed by global climate change and the specific risks it creates for Azerbaijan. Particular attention was given to the depletion of water resources, the declining water level of the Caspian Sea, and drought-related challenges affecting agriculture. Participants emphasized that accelerating the transition to green energy projects and implementing modern water management technologies are essential for mitigating the effects of the environmental crisis.

During the question-and-answer session, Prof. Demirsoy addressed the topic of the origin of life, which attracted significant interest among students. He discussed major scientific theories concerning the emergence of life and highlighted the evolutionary history of mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of cells—and their role in the process of endosymbiosis.

Responding to a question about evolutionary theory, the scientist emphasized that evolution is strongly supported by scientific evidence, even though many details of its long and complex history continue to be investigated. He explained that evolution is not only a theory about the origin of living organisms but also a powerful framework for understanding nature and interpreting biological and ecological relationships.

Prof. Demirsoy further noted that evolutionary biology enables scientists to analyze organisms within the broader context of their environment and history. Using evolutionary approaches, researchers can infer valuable information about habitats, ecological conditions, vegetation, soil characteristics, and climatic factors. This perspective remains one of the fundamental methodologies of modern biological science.

The seminar concluded with a discussion on global warming as a major environmental challenge and the need for practical measures and long-term strategies to address its impacts. At the end of the event, Rasim Abbaszade, Chair of the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Biology, thanked Prof. Demirsoy for his presentation and expressed hope for more such scientific meetings in the future.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)