Climate Change

Institution: In-House Study

Overview: Land use plays an essential role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This study analyzes the indicators related to land use targets of 11 out of 17 sustainable Development Goals and towards its targets spread across SDG 1, 2 ,6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Furthermore, 126 indicators out of 164 are linked to land use management and classified under the themes Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Water, Housing, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Disaster, Infrastructure, Tourism and Natural Resources.

The SDGs identified in this study may not go far enough in taking a bold stance to address systemic poverty and inequality, each land-related sub goal has the potential to effect change for sustainable development and clearly links land to a wide set of development objectives.

Institution: Auroville Consulting

Overview: The proposal aims to map existing blue-green corridors to develop conservation initiatives. Additionally, the opportunity for enhancing existing and the creation of new blue-green corridors will be assessed. This will be achieved through the use of advanced satellite image processing and geospatial analysis.

Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Overview:This study conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), focuses on promoting sustainable and climate-responsive design in Tamil Nadu. The primary objectives are twofold: first, to develop a comprehensive passive cooling strategy that can be implemented across state, city, and institutional levels; and second, to create an accessible web-based tool that facilitates the adoption and implementation of passive cooling solutions. This initiative aims to reduce heat stress and enhance thermal comfort through environmentally friendly approaches.

Institution: World Resource Institute India (WRII)

Overview:This study, undertaken in collaboration with WRI India, aims to support the Tamil Nadu state government in efficiently mobilizing and directing predictable financial resources toward climate change adaptation and mitigation projects outlined in the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). The Resource Mobilization Strategy assesses current climate financing from public and private sources, identifies funding gaps, and explores opportunities for future financing—both by tapping new sources and optimizing existing ones to integrate climate goals with development plans.

Institution:World Resources Institute India(WRII)

Overview: Tamil Nadu is facing increasing climate challenges such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and heat stress, which affect agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, livelihoods, and public health. To address these issues, the State Planning Commission, through the Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board and in collaboration with the World Resources Institute India, has prepared a district-level Climate Change Risk Reduction and Adaptation Framework. The study has used scientific methods such as GIS-based hazard mapping, climate projections, and socio-economic assessments to identify vulnerable areas and priority sectors. A key outcome of the study is the District Climate Action Prioritisation Tool (DCAPT), which helps districts select practical and effective adaptation actions. The framework promotes integrated, evidence-based planning and supports the State’s goal of building a resilient and sustainable Tamil Nadu.

Institution:Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLURB) , Chennai

Overview: Building on the 2024 Heat Mitigation Strategy, the study report on ``Urban Growth and Thermal Stress: A Decadal Assessment of Built-Up Area and Climate Interactions in Tamil Nadu” prepared by Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board of State Planning Commission provides a detailed block-level analysis of heat exposure across the state. It highlights that changes in land use particularly urbanization and deforestation are contributing to local climate impacts, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. The increase in land surface temperatures is also influencing broader climate patterns.
The study maps the rise in land surface temperatures, annual and seasonal temperature variations, and the thermal comfort index. Findings indicate a significant increase in heat across Tamil Nadu. Of the 94 blocks analyzed, 64 are currently experiencing high temperatures, with 25 blocks, including Chennai, Karur, and Ramanathapuram, facing both long-term and current heat impacts. Coastal and peri-urban areas are especially vulnerable, with urbanization identified as a key driver of the increasing heat. The correlation between the expansion of building areas and rising temperatures is clear, with some districts seeing temperature increases of up to 2°C above the state average.
To address these challenges, the report recommends continuous temperature monitoring, the adoption of nature-based cooling solutions, the implementation of climate-sensitive building codes, and prioritizing high-risk blocks. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating climate data with local land use in block-level planning to more effectively manage the growing heat risks.
The report was submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 07.07.2025.

Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNDP)

Overview: Tamil Nadu faces growing heat stress challenges, with temperatures often surpassing the comfortable range of 25-30°C at 60% humidity. Nearly 59% of the population endures temperatures above 35°C, highlighting the critical need for heat resilience measures as climate change exacerbates these risks. To tackle this issue, Tamil Nadu has established the Heat Action Network, fostering inter-departmental and intersectoral collaboration for evidence-based and comprehensive heat mitigation.

Building on the Tamil Nadu Heat Mitigation Strategy, which outlines the increasing threat of extreme and prolonged heat waves, this report focuses on Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects across the state. It examines how urbanization and climate change combine to intensify localized heat stress. The report comprises two main components: “State-level and District-level Urban Heat Zones” and “City-level Hotspot Analysis,” followed by actionable recommendations for mitigation. The report equips Tamil Nadu to plan strategically for urban resilience. This approach aims to target resources and interventions effectively, reducing heat-related risks and building a more sustainable future.

Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission with the Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme , and CEPT University, has developed the “Urban Heat Island‑ Hotspot Analysis and Mitigation Strategies for Tamil Nadu” providing a systematic framework for understanding and mitigating urban heat impacts. The final report was presented to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on December 16, 2024.

Institution: British High Commission and World Resource Institute of India (WRII)

Overview: Mitigation of Heat is linked with economic growth and is recognised as key to the health, wellbeing, and productivity of people in hot climates. India is a growing economy characterized by low penetration of air-conditioning, rising per capita income, rapid urbanization and a largely tropical climate all of which would lead to a rise in the requirement for cooling, which in turn increases the heat. Addressing the rising heat is both a challenge as well as a unique opportunity, necessitating synergies in policies and actions to mitigate the heat across sectors.

The strategies have been developed under the guidance of the State Planning Commission by involving the State Departments, research institutions, civil society organizations and institutions of national and international expertise.

This exercise was carried out with the support of Deputy British High Commission and engaged World Resource Institute (WRI) as a knowledge partner. The final report was submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Institution: Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management(CCCDM), Anna University

Overview: The State Planning Commission, in collaboration with CCCDM, Anna University, conducted a study on Climate Change Vulnerability of Selected Coastal Villages of Tamil Nadu. Covering 97 coastal villages across 14 districts, the study assessed socio-economic and environmental risks using 17 climate and environmental indicators. The analysis revealed significant urbanization from 2005 to 2022, increasing exposure to hazards such as coastal erosion, sea-level rise, inundation, and cyclones. Villages were categorized into five levels of vulnerability, with 19 identified as very highly vulnerable. The findings call for targeted adaptation measures and policy interventions to enhance the resilience of Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities.

Institution: Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management, Anna University, Chennai

Overview: This integrated study in the Chennai Metropolitan Area combines future climate scenarios and urban drainage networks to evaluate projected climate change impacts on stormwater and floodplain management in Velachery and Mudichur. Objectives encompass land use mapping, analyzing past/future climate scenarios, assessing surface flooding impacts, identifying vulnerability hotspots, and proposing mitigation options for science-based climate risk assessment and urban water management adaptation.

Institution: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras

Overview: This study assesses the anticipated impacts of sea-level rise (SLR) up to 2050 along Chennai’s coast under two scenarios (1m and 3m rise), revealing significant land, population, and infrastructure at risk. Economic losses are estimated at ₹7,91,790 Cr (Scenario A) and ₹10,68,009 Cr (Scenario B), profoundly affecting ports and urban areas. Recommendations emphasize climate-conscious coastal development and wetland preservation to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Institution: Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (CARDS), TNAU, Coimbatore

Overview: The objective of the study is to furnish scientific solutions and suggest policies and approaches for adaptation and build resilience to climate variability for tank irrigation management in Tamil Nadu State. The study was carried out in 12 tanks spread across 6 districts of TN State to fulfill the objectives, three different types of tank based population environments has been identified viz., purely tank bed situation tank with well distribution and tanks with domination of well irrigation.