Interestingly, Anna University's findings are at odds with a study done by IIT-Madras scientists two years ago. While the university predicts that sea levels will rise by 53cm by the end of this century, the IIT- M study conducted along with the Institute of Financial Management and Research in March 2011 predicted a 100cm rise in sea level within 40 years along the TN coastline. Moreover, it had also estimated loss of land and property worth 2.2 lakh crore and 4.5 lakh crore.

When asked about the contradictions in assessment of impact between the two reports, A Ramachandran, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Research in Anna University, said his team had used international modelling and weather data for their findings. "Our study predicts 53cm sea level rise but clearly says that there is no harm to south Indian states. When the global average itself is just 60cm, predicting a 100cm sea level rise in 40 years will be foolish," he said. The IIT-IFMR study had dwelt on environmental threats and industrial opportunities related to building climate-resilient coastal infrastructure as well as impact from storm surges along the state's coastline spanning 13 coastal districts.

Studies on climate change and its impact often vary in their findings, but given the interest generated by the issue, most tend to draw attention international agencies.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a scientific body of experts from various nations, has forecast a two degree rise in global temperature by the turn of the century. IPCC has predicted that along with coastal areas, delta cities like Kolkata, Shanghai and Dhaka are also at very high risk and vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

The Anna University study done by the Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Research has divided the state into seven climate zones and compiled projections using the database of the Met Office, Britain's national weather and climate change service.

Ramachandran said such a large regional climate change study was being carried out for the first time in the country.

"Our study shows extremity in temperature levels in coming decades with a minimum of 1.1 degree Celsius rise by 2020. The 1076 km coastline along Tamil Nadu will witness a temperature rise of 2.9 degree Celsius by the end of this century," he said. According to him, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Krishnagiri, Erode, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Perumbalur and Ariyalur are likely to be the worst hit areas due to the temperature rise. "Cauvery delta will also face a larger impact of climate change in Tamil Nadu," he said.

Mohan Verghese Chunkath, additional chief secretary, and S Ganesan, registrar of Anna University, were the chief guests of the programme which was attended by several scientists, academics, research scholars and students.