Speakers at a seminar yesterday underscored the need for taking a comprehensive working plan to offset the effects of climate change. They also emphasised creating awareness among both mass people and policymakers to this end. "We will not be able to stop climate change but it is possible to reduce the range of its bad effects,' said Mazharul Alam, research fellow of Bangladesh Centre for Urban Studies, at the seminar held at WVA auditorium in the city. Mazharul along with Sardar Shafiqul Alam of the same organisation presented the keynote paper at the seminar. It is very important to increase the skill of the people who are working on it, said Mazharul at the seminar on 'What should Bangladesh do to deal with climate change' organised by Gono Unnayan Granthagar. "We have to move towards sustainable development that requires economic and social progress and skilled manpower,' said Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman of Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad. Speaking as the chief guest, he said, "If we can change our character and increase awareness, we will be able to go towards the sustainable development.' Mahfuz Ullah, secretary general of CFSD, said creating awareness is a must to fight such adverse situation, which might be caused by climate change. Shafiqul Alam in his keynote paper said according to the Global Circulation Model, a USA-based research team, the temperature of Bangladesh will be increased by 1.3 degree Celsius by 2030 while 2.6 degree Celsius temperature will be increased by 2070. Due to the increase of temperature the summer of the county will be long and winter will be very short and due to heavy rain within a short time, incidents of flood and waterlogging will be increased, he said, adding that the probability of drought will also be increased due to lack of rain in a long period. Shafiq said since the temperature of the world is increasing the sea level in the costal areas will rise by 88 centimetres by 2100 that might cause floods in 17 per cent of the area. The flooded saline water will damage the agricultural balance of the area. Farida Akhtar, executive director of UBINIG, said it is very important to protect the country's environment and biodiversity, which have been being destroyed in different ways. Chairperson of Gana Unnayan Granthagar Mohiuddin Ahmed moderated the seminar.