DW BUREAU The Punjabi University Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences organised a webinar on "International Day for Biological Diversity" which is celebrated on May 22 of each year. The day is celebrated to raise global awareness about the importance of biological resources and global biodiversity that shapes the environment. Prof Arvind, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, while presiding over the webinar, emphasized that we ought to create public awareness about the significance of biodiversity and provide nature-based solutions. Eminent professor Raghavandra Gadagkar from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, delivered a talk on "An Inordinate Fondness for Insects". Prof Gadagkar is a distinguished evolutionary biologist whose research focuses on social evolution in insects. Being a fellow of all the three National Science Academies, he belongs to a select group of scientists who are fellows of National Academy of Sciences, USA. Dr Gadagkar said that today the earth, the only living planet of our solar system, has been altered by humans for its selfish needs. The human's greed has pushed one million plants and animals to the verge of extinction. Three species disappear every hour, 150 species every day and around 18,000 species go extinct every year. He said biodiversity loss at this rate will ultimately lead to mass extinctions that will upset the delicate balance of nature. Moreover, anthropogenic activities are the major cause of climate change as well. The rising temperatures are responsible for mass exodus of various species from their native habitat. He emphasized on the importance of this year's slogan for conserving biodiversity. Dr Gadagkar said that it is high time for humans to realize that destroying biodiversity is indirectly destroying the human race. Therefore, we all should be part of the solution and should commit ourselves to restoring the intricate balance of our ecosystems. (editor@dailyworld.in)