Speakers at a discussion yesterday called upon all to work together to offset the impacts of global climate change. Although Bangladesh contributes very little to global warming, it would be one of the worst affected countries and immediate measures need to be taken to this end, they said. Ministry of Environment and Forests organised the discussion titled 'Environment-Our future' at Cirdap auditorium in the city to mark the Commonwealth Day. Speaking as the chief guest, Barrister Raja Devashish Roy, special assistant, Ministry of Environment and Forests, said the developing countries are most vulnerable to global climate change and we have to think about the mitigation and adaptation measures to cope with its adverse effects. He also said it is clear that climate change is now a big problem in the world as sea level rise is threatening to submerge vast coastal areas and it would affect the developing countries like Bangladesh badly. "We have to get prepared apart from building dams, embankments and roads which is needed to tackle the impacts of global climate change,' he said adding, "We have to take effective measures in combating human-made calamities apart from taking preparation for the disasters caused by climate change.' He also said this government along with the upcoming governments will carry out the works and the people, NGOs, private sectors and civil society members will have to come forward to help the government. "We have done many mistakes like cutting down the hills and polluting our rivers. We have to bear the responsibilities of environmental calamities and we have to save our rivers and hills. Effluent Treatment Plant should be installed to stop industrial pollution,' he added. Devashish Roy also said environment is essential for sustainable development and media can play an important role in this regard. The environment pollution will reduce significantly if the government, general people, NGOs and private sector work together, he said. AHM Rezaul Kabir ndc, secretary to the ministry, narrated the consequences of the Commonwealth Day. Touhid Hossain, secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Khandaker Rashedul Haque, director general of Department of Environment and Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, president of Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB), also spoke.