GINOWAN, Japan, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Human society should change its development paths to sustainable development to be in better coexistence with the environment, international scientists and a Japanese prince said here Saturday.

Sustainable development can make a major contribution to mitigate climate change, said Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, chairman of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at an open symposium on energy and environment held in Okinawa of southern Japan.

At the joint symposium of Science Council of Asia (SCA) and Pacific Science Association (PSA), the chief of the international organization on assessing global climate change called on stakeholders to act towards mitigation of greenhouse gas emission.

"The cost of inaction will be immeasurable," Pachauri said, noting that the level of prosperity in human society will also be affected. His opinion was also stressed by Japanese Prince Akishinomiya, who gave a special speech at the symposium.

Human society pursued economic development in the 20th centuryand has left the 21st century with the issue of environment, said Prince Akishinomiya, the younger son of Emperor Hirohito.

The prince, who has been specialized in the study of birds and fish, called for harmonious development with the environment, and said that such development also needs the support of cross-disciplinary studies.

"Human activities across a spectrum of endeavors are causing increasing damage to life support systems," said Prof. Leo Tan WeeHin, president of Singapore National Academy of Science at the symposium.

Tan examined the issues of water resource shortage, deforestation, sustainable agricultural practices, waste management and overpopulation, urging more attention on environmental protection and sustainable development.

The one-day symposium, attended by members of the Science Council of Asia, delegates of the 21st Pacific Science Congress, as well as local Japanese school students, also includes three panel discussions among experts focusing on energy and environment, education and environment and water resources respectively.