NEW YORK, Sept 26 (UNB): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday stressed immediate crafting of a legally-binding agreement by all countries based on equity and common but differentiated responsibilities to face the climate change challenges to avert uncertain future for the humanity.

"The climate change challenges are formidable, but unfortunately our response due to lack of determination has so far been inadequate. If this trend continues, we will cause irrevocable damage to our planet and an uncertain future for the humanity," she said, launching the 2nd Edition of Climate Vulnerability Monitor (CVM) published by DARA at Asia Society.

Reaffirming Bangladesh commitment of never to exceed the average per capita emission of the developing countries as a responsible member of the international community, Hasina said: "This is our commitment to low carbon development."

She also expected such commitments and responsible behavior from those who have created this climate change crisis with their reckless carbon emissions in selfish pursuit of their own development. "It is time for them to take positive action for the interest of saving humanity," she said.

Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla Miranda, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Waheed, Kiribati President Anote Tong, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Ethiopian President Girma Wolde Giorgis were, among others, present at the launching ceremony.

The Prime Minister said: "Our inaction and inadequate response are causing loss of lives, livelihoods and violations of the rights of our people."

Cautioning that this would possibly be the last opportunity, she said: "If we fail, we will be in peril."

Hasina sought the kind understanding and cooperation and also contributions from all to support these endeavours of seeking 'climate justice'.

She mentioned that the impact of climate change effects is leaning more towards the developing countries, having inadequate sustaining capacities.

In this regard, she said that for Bangladesh, the vulnerability stems from high population density, low resource base, high incidence of natural disasters, salinity intrusion and submergence of land due to the sea level rise.

"They are all creating havoc in our lives, property and livelihood. The situation would become disastrous with even a meter rise of sea level due to global warming as it would inundate a fifth of Bangladesh, mostly the 134 islands in the Bay of Bengal, displacing over 30 million people and leading to mass migration."