World Habitat Day
October 6th is observed as World Habitat Day. It was established in 1979 in Bern as part of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. The Republic of Azerbaijan ratified this document on 28 November 1999.
The current ecological state of our planet has prompted renowned scientists and prominent international organizations to sound the alarm regarding the imbalance in human-nature relationships. Today, ecology has become a central concern for the United Nations and all prominent global organizations, including the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, the World Veterinary Association, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. It has emerged as a global, regional, and local issue that serves to protect human health.
The improvement of ecological conditions, the restoration of balance, the protection of the environment, and the prevention and resolution of imbalances and contradictions in the relationships between nature and society, as well as between humankind and the biosphere, are among the most pressing global issues of our time. If this problem does not find a positive resolution in the near future, humanity will face even greater and more widespread ecological crises and disasters. In the 19th and 20th centuries, anthropogenic activities caused significant harm to nature, its resources, and the environment, leading to environmental stress. Currently, the ecological landscape of our planet is in a state of crisis due to the effects of these anthropogenic activities, as if it has completely lost its equilibrium. Since 2000, ecological catastrophes and disasters have been occurring on our planet, presenting humanity with significant challenges. Crises and disasters in countries such as those in Europe, Asia, Africa, the United States, Latin America, Pakistan, and India have caused widespread turmoil. Scientists unanimously conclude that the primary reason for the extensive range of ecological crises and disasters currently is anthropogenic activities, which lead to global warming and climate anomalies through the effects of environmental backlash. These factors have created an uncontrollable ecological imbalance and significantly contributed to the expansion of areas affected by epidemics, epizootics, and pandemics, posing a threat to humankind.
During this period, two-thirds of the world's natural forest cover has been destroyed due to anthropogenic effects. The living and non-living components of the environment have been significantly impacted by human activities, resulting in the extinction of numerous flora and fauna species, some of which have been listed in "Red Books," while others are on the brink of extinction. Sixty-three percent of natural terrestrial ecosystems have been completely devastated. The hostility and antagonistic relationships between humans and nature have reached their peak, leading to the destruction of a significant portion of the flora and the indiscriminate clearing of forests without consideration of future consequences, resulting in deforestation. The Earth's ecological balance has been severely disturbed, resulting in the degradation of the ozone layer, global warming, and other environmental crises.
Human beings are highly developed, intelligent, and powerful bio-social entities. Therefore, all components, systems, and elements present in nature should serve humanity and human society. In modern civilization, every member of a society integrated into globalization, intercultural dialogue, and multiculturalism should possess relevant knowledge and information about all aspects of life. In this context, the primary purpose of today's international observance is to draw attention to the problem of protecting the living environment of the Earth's inhabitants. Although humans have learned a great deal, this development has regrettably led to global warming, natural disasters, the emergence of diseases, along ecological pollution and crises. To ensure the health, socio-economic, and enviromental needs, and suitable living conditions of the planet's population, it is essential to work diligently towards improving and restoring sustainable ecological balance across all regions of the Earth and in all areas of human activity, including villages, towns, and cities, to protect our planet and hand it over to future generations in a healthy state.
Recommended literature:
- Həmzəyev, Əlihəsən Alı oğlu. İnsan ekologiyası problemi və onun sosial-coğrafi aspekti /Ə.A.Həmzəyev; Elmi red.: A.Şükürov; Rəyçi: V.Həbiboğlu, E.Mehrəliyev. - Bakı: Elm, 1998. - 128 s.
- Səfərov, Surxay Həsən oğlu. Azərbaycanda müasir iqlim dəyişmələrinin bioekoloji aspektləri: monoqrafiya / S. H. Səfərov; "Azərbaycan Hava Yolları" Qapalı Səhmdar Cəmiyyəti, Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası.- Bakı: Optimist MMC, 2021.- 495 s.
- Məmmədov, Nizami Mustafa oğlu. Ekoloji sivilizasiyanın astanasında: yaşıl enerjiyə keçid = At the Threshold of Ecological Civilization: Transition to Green Energy = На пороге экологической цивилизации: переход к зеленой энергетике / N. M. Məmmədov, S. Y. Məmmədəliyeva; red. U. Ələkbərov.- Bakı: Şərq-Qərb, 2024.- 156 s.