TNGCC

Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company

TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
DOCUMENT

Department of Environment,
Climate Change & Forest
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1. Background 05
1.2. Current State of Global Climate Change 06
1.3. Current State of Climate Change – India’s Context 10
1.4. National Policies on Climate Change towards limiting
temperature below 1.5°C 12
1.5. Tamil Nadu State Profile in Climate Change Context 15

2. Climate Change and its Impact in Tamil Nadu

2.1. Observed Climate of Tamil Nadu 18
2.2. Projected Climate Change in Tamil Nadu 21
2.3. Impact of Climate Change in various sectors of Tamil Nadu 22
2.4. TN’s Greenhouse gas estimates and sustainable economic transition
achieving Nation’s net zero vision
2.5. Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases in Tamil Nadu 30
2.6. State Level Climate Models 34
2.7. State’s Policy Framework towards Climate Change Action 38

3. Goals of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission 40

4. Programmes Implemented under

Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission 45

5. Activities under Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission 57

6. Expected Outcomes of the Proposed Activities

under the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission 72

Appendix 75

03
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

1.1. BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION
The State of Tamil Nadu, India is located in the extreme south of the Indian subcontinent. Bound by the
Indian Ocean to the east and south and flanked by the states of Kerala to the west, Karnataka to the
northwest, and Andhra Pradesh to the north, the state holds a strategic position amidst the southern
states of India. The land resources of Tamil Nadu are conventionally categorized into five major physical
divisions - the Kurinji or mountainous region, the Mullai or forest region, the Marudham or the fertile
plains, the Neidhal or coastal region and the Palai or arid region. Each of the five categories represents
distinct geographical features and have prominent climatic conditions leading to availability of diverse
resources within the state.

Tamil Nadu is endowed with rich biodiversity that is protected and conserved through a network of five
National Parks, seventeen Wildlife Sanctuaries, 14 Ramsar Sites - the highest in the country and three
Biosphere Reserves surrounded by both Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. On the other hand, the State
The land resources of Tamil Nadu are conventionally
has recorded impressive economic growth along with significant progress in human development in
categorized into five major physical divisions - the Kurinji or recent years. The evidence being that Tamil Nadu has the highest level of urbanization in India, where
mountainous region, the Mullai or forest region, the 48.45 per cent of the population live in urban areas. This conjunction brings with it a plethora of
associated environmental problems. Thus Tamil Nadu has an urgent call for action on Sustainable
Marudham or the fertile plains, the Neidhal or coastal region Development.
and the Palai or arid region.
It is now widely recognized that there is high probability of increase in the frequency and intensity of
climate related natural hazards due to climate change posing potential threat in all states of India. Though
there is fairly enhanced community awareness, still there is relative absence of robust regional climate
models and vulnerability studies in Tamil Nadu. This makes it highly sensitive and vulnerable to climate
change and its impacts.

05
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

1.2. CURRENT STATE OF

GLOBAL CLIMATE
CHANGE
INTRODUCTION

There is now enough evidence that the earth’s climate is changing, and it is adversely
affecting both biophysical (mountains, rivers, forests, wetlands, etc.) and
socio-economic systems (hill and coastal communities, agriculture, animal husbandry,
etc.)1. Many of those challenges can be directly connected to human activity such as
unchecked industrialization, unplanned urbanization, unregulated drilling, overfishing
and bottom trawling, deforestation, strip mining, fracking, and the list goes on2.

Climate change, a matter of international concern, poses a serious menace to human

existence. Over the past two decades, with the effects of global climate change
becoming increasingly manifested and visible at the local level, Climate Policy and
Planning has become an urgent necessity across the country. Many countries are
realizing the need to begin adapting to a warming world. As this climate phenomenon is
constantly evolving and changing, responses to mitigation & adaptation must also be
dynamic, scalable, and in line with emerging scenarios. The concentration of greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere are wreaking havoc across the world and
threatening lives, economies, health and food. The world is far from securing a global
temperature rise to below 2°C as promised in the Paris Agreement. With a baseline in
1990, some countries are emitting more, some the same and others are emitting less.3

Individual structures, such as the Kyoto Protocol, International Carbon Action

Partnership, Cancun Agreement, Paris Agreement etc. have led the countries to
implement their own measures to reduce emissions and take mitigation and adaptation
measures reflected in the “Nationally Determined Contributions”. Paris Agreement in
which countries have agreed in the year 2015, to limit global mean temperature within 2
degree, the country is committed to working towards a limit of 1.5 degree4.

1
IPCC, 2014 3
UNEP-State of the Climate 2022
2
IPCC Special report on Climate Change and Land 2019 4
Paris Agreement- UNFCCC

06
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

Various International scientific organizations have made the below observations using satellite
With regard to the total volume of atmospheric The concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the
measurements indicating the current state of climate change at the global level.
concentration of greenhouse gases, the IPCC’s Sixth atmosphere causes global temperatures to rise with a
CLIMATE CHANGE Assessment Report observed that in 2019, atmospheric host of impacts and catastrophic consequences. At the
Earth’s temperature has risen by 0.14° Fahrenheit (0.08° Celsius) per decade since 1880,
but the rate of warming since 1981 is more than twice that: 0.32° F (0.18°C) per decade. concentrations of CO2 were higher than at any time in at moment the world is heading for a rise in excess of 3°C
least 2 million years and that of CH₄ and nitrous oxide this century11. UNFCCC provides the opportunity to the
CURRENT STATE

For 2021, the average temperature across global surfaces was 1.51°F (0.84°C) above the
20th-century average. This is the sixth highest among all years in the 1880-2021 record. (N₂O), another potent greenhouse gas, were higher than Global leaders to take credible action on climate change
The year 2021 marks the 45th consecutive year (since 1977) with global temperatures, at at any time in at least 800,000 years. It is therefore and transition towards clean energy, through their
least nominally, above the 20th-century average. The nine years spanning 2013 through certain that atmospheric concentrations greenhouse commitments to limit GHG emissions to restrict the
2021 rank among the 10-warmest years on record5. gases will continue to increase with potentially dire temperature rise below 1.5 °C.
consequences for the Earth’s climate system.
Disasters have increased in the last 20 years (2000-2019). In the period 2000 to 2019, there
were 7,348 major recorded disaster events compared to 4,212 between 1980-1999.
Climate-related disasters have increased the most, accounting for 6,681 events6.
OF GLOBAL

There is a 50:50 chance of the annual average global temperature temporarily reaching
1.5°C above the pre-industrial level for at least one of the next five years and the likelihood
is increasing with time, according to a new climate update issued by the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO)7.

According to preliminary analysis of satellite measurements by Copernicus, the European

Union’s climate agency, atmospheric concentrations of CO2 reached an annual record of
approximately 414.3 parts per million (ppm) in 2021 with April recording the highest
monthly concentrations of 416.1 ppm8.

To put this into context, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere before the Industrial
Revolution and large scale burning of fossil fuels was 280 ppm. Meanwhile, atmospheric
concentrations of methane (CH₄), a more potent but shorter-lived gas that trap heat in the
atmosphere 80 times more effectively than CO2, also reached an annual record of
approximately 1,876 parts per billion (ppb) in 2021.

Natural ecosystems have declined by 47 per cent on average, relative to their earliest
estimated states and approximately 25 per cent of species are already threatened with
extinction9.

Global sea level rise accelerated since 2013 to a new high in 2021, with continued ocean
warming and ocean acidification.10

5
UNEP-State of the Climate 2022 7
WMO-Climate Update 2022-2026 9
IPBES, 2019 11
UNEP State of Climate Emergency 2022
6
UNDRR 2020 8
GHG concentrations-Copernicus-2021 10
State of Global Climate 2021-WMO Provisional report

08 09
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

1.3 CURRENT
STATE India’s average temperature has risen by around 0.7°C during 1901–2018. This rise
in temperature is largely on account of GHG-induced warming, partially offset by

OF CLIMATE forcing due to anthropogenic aerosols and changes in Land Use Land Cover
Change (LULCC). By the end of the twenty-first century, average temperature over

CHANGE India is projected to rise by approximately 4.4°C relative to the recent past12.

– INDIA’S
India has suffered increasingly frequent and extreme heat waves since the start of
the century. In 2015, over 2400 people died and heat waves and such events have

CONTEXT
become more common. 17 out of 20 people in India are vulnerable to extreme
hydromet disasters13. As per UNEP global Climate Index, India ranked 7th among
other countries with more climate risk14 and ranked 5th out of 181 countries,
implying an extremely high exposure and vulnerability15. This ranking is based on
INTRODUCTION
quantified impacts of extreme weather events in terms of fatalities as well as
economic losses that have occurred during 1999-2018. India is estimated to have
suffered losses of almost USD 80 billion due to extreme climate events in the last
two decades.8

In the recent 30-year period (1986–2015) of India’s Climate observation,

temperatures of the warmest day and the coldest night of the year have risen by
about 0.63°C and 0.4°C, respectively. The Sea surface temperature (SST) of the
tropical Indian Ocean has risen by 1°C on average during 1951–2015, markedly
higher than the global average SST warming of 0.7°C, over the same period.
Rainfall during the South West monsoon, over India has declined by around 6%
from 1951 to 2015, with notable decreases over the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the
Western Ghats16. The overall decrease of seasonal summer monsoon rainfall
during the last 6-7 decades has led to an increased propensity for droughts over
India. Both the frequency and spatial extent of droughts have increased
significantly during 1951–2016. In particular, areas over central India, southwest
coast, southern peninsula and north-eastern India have experienced more than 2
droughts per decade, on average, during this period. The frequency and intensity
of extreme events in India have increased by almost 200% since 200517. The area
Twenty-first century,
affected by drought has also increased by 1.3% per decade over the same period.
Currently, sea levels along the Indian coast are rising. The long-term average of average temperature over
sea level rise is about 1.7 mm/year. However, these are changing at different rates India is projected to rise
along the Indian coast18.
by approximately 4.4°C
12

13
Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian region-MoES, 2020
CEEW- Mapping India’s Climate Vulnerability 2021.
16

17
Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian region- MoES, 2020
CEEW- Mapping India’s Climate Vulnerability 2021.
relative to the recent past.
14
UNEP-State of the Climate 2022 18
India’s Third BUR report to UNFCCC
15
Germanwatch Global Climate Risk Index- 2019

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 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

1.4. NATIONAL POLICIES

ON CLIMATE CHANGE There are eight National Missions on climate change:
1. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
TOWARDS LIMITING 2. National Water Mission
TEMPERATURE BELOW 1.5°C 3. National Mission for a Green India
4. National Solar Mission
5. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
6. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
India has pursued major domestic policies and schemes in areas of climate change
mitigation and adaptation actions, particularly in the fields of clean and renewable 7. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system
INTRODUCTION

energy, enhancement of energy efficiency, development of less carbon-intensive 8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
and resilient urban development, promotion of waste to wealth and electric
vehicles, etc. Keeping in mind the risks outlined by the United Nations framework
convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Government of India has formulated
the National Action plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) which was released by the
India has submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as part of the Paris agreement to UNFCCC on October 2, 2015
Prime Minister on 2008. It outlines a national strategy that aims to enable the
and the updated NDCs in August 2022. The NDC comprised eight goals; three of these have quantitative targets upto 2030.
country to adapt to climate change and enhance the ecological sustainability of
India‘s development path. It stresses that maintaining a high growth rate is essential
The Updated NDC’s are as follows: To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion
for increasing living standards of the vast majority of people of India and reducing
tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree
their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. There are eight-National To put forward and further propagate a healthy and cover by 2030.
Missions which form the core of the National Action Plan. sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of
conservation and moderation, including through a mass To better adapt to climate change by enhancing
They focus on promoting understanding of climate movement for ‘LiFE’-‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to investments in development programmes in sectors
combating climate change vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture,
change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health
and natural resource conservation. To adopt a climate friendly and a cleaner path than the one and disaster management
followed hitherto by others at corresponding level of
economic development. To mobilize domestic and new & additional funds from
developed countries to implement the above mitigation
To reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, and adaptation actions in view of the resource required
from 2005 level and the resource gap
To achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power To build capacities, create domestic framework and
installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy international architecture for quick diffusion of
resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology cutting-edge climate technology in India and for joint
and low-cost international finance including from Green collaborative R&D for such future technologies
Climate Fund (GCF)
12 13
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

1.5. TAMIL NADU

STATE PROFILE
IN CLIMATE The State of Tamil Nadu, is located in the extreme south of the Indian

CHANGE subcontinent. The land resources of Tamil Nadu are conventionally

categorized into five major physical divisions - the Kurinji or

CONTEXT mountainous region, the Mullai or forest region, the Marudham or the
fertile plains, the Neidhal or coastal region and the Palai or arid
region. Each of the categories represents distinct geographical
features and has a prominent climatic condition. This provides rich
biodiversity that is protected and conserved through a network of 5
National Parks, 17 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 3 Biosphere Reserves.

INTRODUCTION
The forest cover in Tamil Nadu stands at 20.27% of its total geographical area, of which 1782 km2
has been declared as protected areas. The total carbon stock in Tamil Nadu’s forests is 216.78
million tonnes (794.86 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent) which is 3.04% of total forest carbon stock
of India as a whole as per ISFR 202219. The Western Ghats are one of the 25 global biodiversity
hotspots and one of the 3 mega centres of endemism in India. Five elephant reserves are also
located within the State. The State is endowed with 14 prestigious Ramsar sites, the highest number
in the country.

The average annual rainfall of the State is around 987 mm compared to the national average of 1,200
mm and Tamil Nadu has only 2.5% of the country’s total water resources. As per Niti Ayog’s report
on State Energy & Climate Index (SECI) (Round 1) 2022, Tamil Nadu has harnessed around 9608.04
MW of wind energy and 4475.21 MW of solar energy as on March 202120.

Tamil Nadu has recorded impressive economic growth along with significant progress in human
development in recent years. The evidence being that Tamil Nadu has the highest level of
urbanization in India, where 48.45 per cent of the population live in urban areas. This conjunction
brings with it a plethora of associated environmental problems. It is now widely recognized that there
Tamil Nadu has harnessed around 9608.04 MW is high probability of increase in the frequency and intensity of climate related natural hazards due to
of wind energy and 4475.21 MW of solar energy climate change and hence increase in potential threat due to climate change related natural disasters
as on March 2021. Tamil Nadu is also the ‘Front in all states of India. Though there is fairly enhanced community awareness, there is still relative
absence of robust regional climate models and/or vulnerability studies, making Tamil Nadu
runner’ in SDG India index 3.0. potentially highly sensitive and vulnerable to climate change and its impacts.

19
ISER 2022
Niti Ayog’s report on State Energy & Climate Index (SECI) (Round 1) 2022
15
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 02
CLIMATE CHANGE
AND ITS IMPACT
IN TAMIL NADU
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.1 OBSERVED
CLIMATE OF
TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu is heavily dependent on monsoon rains for recharging its water
resources, monsoon failures lead to acute water scarcity and severe
CLIMATE CHANGE

drought. The mean annual rainfall of the state for the thirty-year period from
IN TAMIL NADU
AND ITS IMPACT
1989-2018 is about 898 mm of which 48 percent is through the North East
monsoon, and 35 percent through the South West monsoon21. However,
there have been intense rainfall events in the past decades recording excess
The temperature in Tamil Nadu in summer
rainfall.
seldom rises above 45 °C and in winter seldom
falls below 18 °C.
It is observed that the changes in extreme indices with respect to baseline
(1970–2000) reveal highly significant trend, with minimum temperature
indices showing prominent increase compared with maximum temperature
indices. It is also seen that there is a substantial increase in summer days
above 40 °C. District wise studies on temperature and rainfall in Chennai,
Kancheepuram, Kolli hills, Cuddalore and Thanjavur have indicated varying
extent and pattern in temperature and rainfall over Tamil Nadu.

Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns in Tamil Nadu

is expected to influence even more profoundly the varied ecosystems and
some vulnerable sections of human populations, with inter and intra-sectoral
complexity. Effects of climatic changes on the environment and people’s
livelihoods could impact health, agriculture, forests, water resources, coastal
areas, species and natural areas. There is a need to understand the
implications of climate change on vulnerable sections of people and
formulate special strategies for sustaining the diverse ecosystems as well as
to ensure an inclusive sustainable growth of the State.

21
Report on NEM 2020

18 19
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.2. PROJECTED CLIMATE CHANGE

AND ITS IMPACT
CLIMATE
CHANGE IN
TAMIL NADU
IN TAMIL NADU
Technical information generated through scientific studies from 40°C (summer days) is projected to increase drastically with a
PRECIS regional climate model indicated that maximum strong slope. These results intimate that Tamil Nadu will be
temperature over Tamil Nadu may increase by about 3.1 °C adversely affected by warmer condition by the last quartile of
with a general maximum increase of 3.3–3.5 °C, over the century, which will make the environment hostile for
western zone and minimum temperature by about 3.5°C. ecosystem and crop productions, and furthermore, the change
The minimum temperature projections may increase the occurrences of heat wave and health hazards
in the future.
consistently show higher values when
compared to maximum temperature with Tamil Nadu being a coastal state, is prone to the sea level rise.
a difference ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 °C. No It has been estimated that the projected average medium range
significant change in the rainfall is seen from the baseline by the of SLR for the chosen study area may range from 7.12 cm to
end of the century for the whole Tamil Nadu. However, there is 36.98 cm for Representative Concentration Pathways RCP 2.6;
a slight increase in rainfall during the northeast monsoon 7.39 cm to 50.01 cm for RCP 4.5; 7.18 cm to 51.91 cm for RCP
season (October–December). PRECIS-generated rainfall and 6.0; 7.40 cm to 78.15 cm for RCP 8.5 for the time slices from
temperature scenarios were evaluated with ground-based 2025 to 2100.
observed data during 1970– 2000 in Tamil Nadu.
With regard to extreme rainfall there is an overall increasing
Tamil Nadu is also one of the extremes-prone States in India pattern. This increases the possibility of storm and flash floods
that faces more extremities of cyclones and drought in the 2080s. Furthermore, the probability of 1-day rainfall is
recurrently. With respect to extreme weather events future higher than 5-day rainfall which implies that the duration of
projections clearly indicate an increased probability of extreme extremes will be reduced but the intensity will be increased.
temperature spells that would be expected to be very It was further explored that internal climate variability of El Niño
detrimental for public health. Specific conclusions reveal that Southern Oscillation ENSO also contributes to the North East
there may be an increase of 3.30 °C during daytime and 3.55 °C Monsoon rainfall in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. These
during night-time and denotes a decrease in rainfall of 3.24% consequences will have a profound impact on agriculture,
by the end of the century. The maximum temperature above health, water resources, and coastal and economic sectors.

20 21
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.3. IMPACT OF
CLIMATE
CHANGE ON The future projections show an
VARIOUS increase in the flooded area ranging
from 12.6% to 26.4% based on Global
SECTORS OF Climate Models (GCMs).
TAMIL NADU
The impact of climate change is studied across various sectors in Tamil Nadu
and it is found apparent that climate change is and may have a detritus effect
on all realms of development both in rural and urban sectors.

WATER RESOURCES
CLIMATE CHANGE
IN TAMIL NADU
AND ITS IMPACT

The impact analysis of Chennai city, one of the fastest-growing economic

centres of South India shows that the increase in temperature, erratic rainfall,
sea-level rise, and other climate extremities will affect the key sectors such
as water, infrastructure, health, biodiversity, energy, and transport. The
Climate change impact study on the occurrence of fluvial flooding in the
Adyar sub-basin, predicted that for the 100-year return period, the peak
discharge for the future climate scenario would increase by 34.3%–91.9%
when compared to the present climate scenario. Similarly, the future
projections show an increase in the flooded area ranging from 12.6% to
26.4% based on Global Climate Models (GCMs).

Subsequently, while studying the flood carrying capacity of storm drainage

under present and future climate scenarios through the integrated hydraulic
and hydrological modelling, vulnerable hotspots were identified. Through the
study, flood mitigation measures were suggested to reduce the flood risk at
vulnerable areas in Chennai, which is projected to increase in the future.
Drastic reduction in green cover, changes in land-use patterns, population
growth, and changing climate are cumulative effects to develop the city's
infrastructure, including climate-friendly policies to adopt and build the city's
resilience.

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 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

AGRICULTURE
Tamil Nadu is an agrarian state and climate change has potential influence on various aspects of
agriculture and allied sectors. A case study of Kancheepuram district projects that there is a decreasing
trend in soil moisture for the period 2040-2070. The possible impacts of this change like changing
cropping patterns, hampering crop productivity, increasing pests and insect attack may threaten the agro
biodiversity and food security of the State.

As per the projections in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, there is going to be 3 to 23% increase in the
number of drought days in blocks covering the south east parts of the district. This change warrants
mainstreaming of appropriate drought proofing adaptations into developmental planning to enhance the
resilience of agriculture and water management. The
findings from the spatiotemporal
analysis of projected impacts of climate change reveal that under the
RCP 4.5 scenario there will be decreases in the major C3 and C4 crop
yields in the coasts of Tamil Nadu, affecting local food security and the livelihood security
of the people. Adaptation measures specific to the sector and one that are perceived directly through
farmers at cadastral levels have promising future.

COASTAL AREAS
Being bestowed with a long coastline of 1,076 kilometres, Tamil Nadu is particularly vulnerable to the impact of sea-level rise coupled
The vulnerability of coastal areas in
with the changes in other climate parameters viz. temperature and rainfall.
Vellar-Coleroon estuarine region of Tamil Nadu coast to inundation calculated based on the
projected SLR scenarios of 0.5 m and 1m, demonstrated that about 1570 ha of the Land use and Land cover (LULC)
would be permanently inundated to 0.5 m and 2407 ha for 1 m SLR and has also resulted in the loss of three major coastal natural
resources like coastal agriculture, mangroves and aquaculture. It has been identified that six hamlets of the social communities who
depend on these resources are at high-risk and vulnerable to 0.5 m SLR and 12 hamlets for 1 m SLR.

The analysis of rainfall data of Pichavaram mangroves, in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu shows that there is a slight increase in the
trend of mean annual total rainfall and the annual temperature show clear increasing trends in MMaxT and MAT, which poses threats as
well as opportunities for the rich mangrove biodiversity to flourish in the event of future climate change .The study along the coasts of
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry reveals that the projected average of SLR for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may range from 77.39 cm to 50.01
cm for RCP 4.5 posing serious threats to coastal ecosystems, infrastructures, populations, livelihoods and other coastal resources .

25
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

IMPACT OF FOREST AND

CLIMATE BIODIVERSITY

CHANGE ON
Climate change poses critical threat to the
composition and spatial distribution of prominent
species. Evidences generated through scientific

VARIOUS
modelling show that there will be a significant
reduction in the habitat suitability distribution of
medicinally and ecologically important

SECTORS OF
tree species Myristica dactyloides
in the year 2050 and 2070 in Kolli
hills, Eastern Ghats of India.

TAMIL NADU
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

IMPACT OF
CLIMATE High Thermal Heat Index (THI)

CHANGE ON discomfort level is noticed in Chennai

during May and June months

VARIOUS
SECTORS OF URBAN AREAS AND
TAMIL NADU SUSTAINABLE HABITATS
In urban areas, on long term observation, high Thermal Heat Index (THI)
discomfort level is noticed in Chennai during May and June months followed
by July, August, April and September months. It is expected that in future
there would be 2.0°C increase in THI during winter and post-monsoon
months in the mid-century scenario. Studies on sustainable living in urban
areas across Chennai city were also undertaken on the extent of water
pollution, particulate matter, and the extent of vector-borne and water-borne
diseases in Pallikaranai wetland.

With the growing consensus of climate risk, a comprehensive study of

climate risks and their impacts based on sustainable development goals
(SDG) in the state of Tamil Nadu shows that extent of vulnerability of districts
within the State. The study revealed the significant contributing indicators of
risk and the vulnerable districts of Tamil Nadu. Ariyalur was identified as the
most vulnerable district due to its high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity
to climate risks. The other top vulnerable districts were Nagapattinam,
Ramanathapuram, Thiruvarur, Thiruvallur, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Pudukottai,
and Thiruvannamalai. The outcome of the study may be deliberated as an
indicator of alarming socio-economic and infrastructural conditions of the
districts and may help planners to prioritize their actions toward climate
resilience.
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 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.4 TN’S GREENHOUSE GAS

ESTIMATES AND SUSTAINABLE
CLIMATECHANGE
CONOMIC TRANSITION ACHIEVING AND ITS IMPACT
NATION’S NET ZERO VISION
IN TAMIL NADU
Tamil Nadu’s economic transition stands on four pillars spanning the local,
national and global economy. A cleaner industrial and agriculture transition at
the state level will help India achieve its national net zero targets, and also
protects domestic industries from possible global regulations.

Tamil Nadu accounts for 172.83 MtCO2e emissions

out of 2953 MtCO2e emissions at the National level
as per GHG platform estimates. The State has an estimated
73% increase in emissions from 100 Million tonnes of emissions in 2005 to
171.83 Million tonnes of emissions in 2018, out of which 80% (144 MtCO2e) of
the total emissions are estimated from the energy sector22. The contribution of
various sectors to energy sector is as tabled below:

Contributing sector Buildings

8%
Industries 12%

13%
67%
Transport

Power sector
22
Ghg Platform 2022

30
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.5. MITIGATING
GREENHOUSE Mitigation strategy in Tamil Nadu is planned towards a push for a higher share of renewable energy in overall energy mix. This includes
hydel, solar, wind and biomass-based energy, including energy from waste. The strategies are focused on two specific national missions

GASES IN
viz.:

TAMIL NADU
● Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Solar Mission and
● The “Sustainable Habitat” mission which includes waste sector, transport sector, and the buildings/ residential sector

Sectoral plans under agriculture, forestry and water sectors have investments that are likely to have several mitigation co-benefits.
Activities related to Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Solar Mission (EEESM) are carried out by various government bodies like
TANGEDCO, Electrical Inspectorate and TEDA. Tamil Nadu is also strengthening the State Designated Agency (SDA) to implement the
comprehensive energy efficiency plan. It has integrated several energy and waste management solutions in plans associated with Smart
IN TAMIL NADU
AND ITS IMPACT

Cities and AMRUT initiatives to mitigate emissions.

CLIMATECHANGE

Forests act as a natural carbon sink and carbon management in forests is

inevitable in order to offset the carbon emission in the atmosphere.
Forests act as a sink for the CO2 to mitigate the
global climatic change. However, there has been a continuous
loss of original biodiversity and soil. These degradations led to a loss of
sequestered carbon of standing biomass and in the soil as well. Hence,
restoration of soil organic carbon (SOC) lost over the period of time due to
anthropogenic interferences has to be built up and maintained with minimum
threshold to support the tree growth.

A pioneer attempt on Forest soil degradation analysed the intricacies of

biomass carbon and SOC in a degraded condition. Subsequent studies on
carbon enrichment have provided ways to mitigate Carbon dioxide through
the forests were undertaken provide natural ways to promote soils
health-promoting methods to enhance carbon sequestration potential of
Forest carbon soils.

The heavy emissions from the state need to be mitigated to curtail the
harmful consequences of climate change. Few scientific ways to mitigate the
carbon emission includes carbon capture experiments with Bio-char from
biomass waste as a renewable carbon material utilization of industrial waste
to capture carbon dioxide.
!" !! 32 33
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.6. STATE LEVEL

CLIMATE ii. Climate Resilience
● Increase crop productivity
vi. Disaster management & mitigation
● State database and digital risk mapping models
MODELS ● Creating ecosystems to manage droughts
●
to combat risks
Strengthen early warning systems
● Creating institutional frameworks to combat
climate change ● Building capacity and better equipping
● Educating and encouraging farmers to adapt to response systems
climate change strategies ● Zonal teams and medical response teams
● Create funds to mitigate disasters
With a high dependency on natural resources, Tamil Nadu is under constant
IN TAMIL NADU iii. Water Resources
AND ITS IMPACT
● Encourage restoration and protection of ecosystems
CLIMATECHANGE

threat of climate change and the negative impacts of it. Events in the
past show that there is a high probability of increase in climate related ● Adapting climate change mitigation programs in ● Mapping of vulnerable areas.
natural hazards, with high frequency and intensity, which would result in a water resources and management
potential threat of natural disasters directly linked to climate change. ● Modernize irrigation vii. Health
The Government of Tamil Nadu is crafting many ● General increase of water use efficiency ● Increase the capacity of primary and secondary
solutions to leapfrog the State to a greener, cleaner, healthcare network by improving infrastructure of
iv. Forest & Biodiversity hospitals such as bed strength
more resilient State. Efforts are being taken by the State to draft ● Easier access to healthcare professionals
plans that are not merely mitigative in nature, but which will also pave the way ● Assessment and monitoring of bio-resources
for the transformation of the economy underpinning 'Affordability, in Forest systems ● Improving laboratories, radiology facilities etc.
Sustainability and Scalability' as the key elements. ● Massive afforestation programs to maintain and
increase green cover viii. Technology
In line with the above, the Tamil Nadu state has proposed to focus on plans ● Integrated development of wildlife habitats ● Enabling the shift to renewable energy sources
based on following areas of intervention, for successful implementation of the ● Eco-restoration and conservation of water bodies ● Transitioning industry away from high-emission and
Missions:
high-pollutant sectors
i. Sustainable Agriculture v. Coastal Area Management ● Increase the use of mass transportation systems to
● Popularize strategies to reduce the losses in agriculture ● Integrate coastal tree plantation with water reduce the carbon footprint of the individual with a
due to extreme weather management and livelihood enhancement focus on lower-income urban populations

● Increase in use of micro-irrigation ● Climate proofed infrastructures and industry along ● Introducing more efficient means of waste disposal
coastlines to be developed ● Nature-based solutions across forestry, agriculture,
● Efficient harvesting of rainwater
● Assess micro-plastics in coastal areas food systems and related sectors by leveraging
● Strengthened crop insurance programs supply chains and technology.
● Manage disasters and risks
● Forecasting of disease outbreaks through reporting and
monitoring system and ● Manage coastal livelihoods
● Popularizing indigenous plant varieties ● Less intrusive means of waste disposal

34 35
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
STATE LEVEL

ix. Energy Transition

As detailed above, the intended plans of the Government of Tamil Nadu to intervene and
● Moving away from fossil fuels
● Focusing on mitigation in the cities and villages by introducing low-emission buildings
stem the impacts of Climate Change cover a wide arc of sectors, sub-sectors, and niches,
● Mass transport with focus on resilience for the urban poor would be prioritized across across a spectrum of initiatives - ranging from direct action to making policies. The range
supply chains by promoting energy efficciency of proposed activities have been consolidated into three missions, explained in the
MODELS
CLIMATE

sections below, each having its own range of objectives.

x. Emission Reduction
● Identifying effective ways to achieve emissions reduction without sacrificing productivity
● Promoting and adapting to use of electric vehicles
● Creating infrastructure to transition away from traditional internal combustion
engine vehicles
● Incentivizing the transition to cleaner technologies
● Less polluting technologies

xi. Transportation
● Promoting the use of public transportation,
● Creating the infrastructure for a significant migration from individual to mass transportation
● Promoting the use and creating means to access more efficient cleaner fuels
(electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles)
● Policies that mandate age-bound scrapping of high-polluting vehicles
● Improving and maintenance of public infrastructure (cycling lanes, walkways,
public transportation centres) to further promote their use

xii. Wetland Protection

● Clear mapping of all wetland areas across the state, and inventorying the ecosystems
to create a baseline
● Issuing necessary directions for the maintenance and conservation of wetlands, creating
awareness amongst the public for conscious use and protection of wetlands, creating
infrastructure and systems to transition from using wetlands as a dumping solution

36 37
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

2.7. STATE’S
POLICY
CLIMATECHANGE
AND ITS IMPACT
FRAMEWORK Based on the National Action Plan for Climate Change, the State
has prepared the Tamil Nadu State Action Plan on Climate Change
TOWARDS (TNSAPCC) for 2015-2020, which was endorsed by Ministry of

IN TAMIL NADU
Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC),

CLIMATE Government of India (GoI) on 31.03.2015.

CHANGE TNSAPCC aims to reduce vulnerability due

ACTION to climate change at State level by
developing an overarching climate response
framework that translates Missions of
National Action Plan on Climate Change at
State level. Tamil Nadu State Action Plan on Climate Change The TNSAPCC 2.0 has identified following focus areas for climate action
(TNSAPCC), provided the first State-wide and cross-sectoral
climate change impact and vulnerability assessment, and
● Sustainable Agriculture & allied sectors
formulated adaptation and mitigation strategies to be carried out ● Water Resources
by the State Government Departments. These strategies, in turn
● Forest and Biodiversity
aligned with the eight National NAPCC Missions, were organized
into seven State Sectors ● Coastal Area Management
● Strategic Knowledge & Climate Literacy
In light of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to
UNFCCC (Sustainable Lifestyles, Cleaner Economic ● Disaster Management & Mitigation
Development, Reducing Emission intensity of Gross Domestic ● Health & Sanitation
Product (GDP), Increasing the Share of Non Fossil Fuel Based
Electricity, Enhancing Carbon Sink (Forests), Adaptation, ● Enhanced Energy Efficiency & Solar Mission
Mobilizing Finance, Technology Transfer and Capacity Building) ● Sustainable Habitat & Green Mobility
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC),
GoI has advised to revise the Tamil Nadu State Action Plan on
● Gender and Climate Change
Climate Change and accordingly action has been taken to revise ● Children and Youth for Climate Action
the TNSAPCC with the objectives to re-examine the State specific,
impact, risk and vulnerability, to take stock of the implementation By extending lndia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the State-level, the
of the SAPCC, to re-examine various actions (adaptations and TNSAPCC 2.0 holds relevance for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
mitigation) in the light of climate goals set in INDC and to prepare agenda.
new short term plans for 2023 and long term plans up to 2030.
38
 03
GOALS OF
THE TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE
CHANGE
MISSION
40
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

Climate Change is an undisputed reality causing severe The comprehensive goal of the Mission is to invest in The mission will also work towards reducing Greenhouse The Mission will strive to create smarter infrastructure
impact on the natural environment, human lives, economic transformational planning and programming methodology Gases developing methods for emission reduction by use of systems to help minimize disasters and handle them
assets and activities thus posing an urgent need for a by adopting integrated strategies, planning and efficient public transport systems, use of clean and green effectively.
comprehensive climate action. The challenge of Climate policymaking to maximise co-benefits between mitigation, energy, alternative fuel sources, better monitoring etc.
Change calls for extraordinary vision, leadership, adaptation and sustainable development. Gender mainstreaming in climate action for women and
understanding and wisdom. Human ingenuity and intellect will children shall be the prime focus of the Mission.
play a critical role in addressing issues arising out of Climate The State of Tamil Nadu has several Universities, Research
With a commitment to enhance the tree
Change impact. The effect of climate-related shifts, which Agencies and Academic institutions working on Climate and forest cover of the State from The Mission shall follow a "one health approach" to
Climate Change to bring a better understanding of Climate
largely stem from global warming caused by humankind, are Change Adaptation and Mitigation. The expertise and 23.7% to 33% in the next ten years, the
already affecting daily life. experience of these institutions shall be leveraged in Change impact on environmental, animal and human
Climate Change policies and ground truthing of initiatives
Mission will work in synergy with the health. This approach will help the State to develop an
Tamil Nadu Green Mission. Activities expertise in the sector by collaborating with experts from
the fields of veterinary, medical and public health taking
The mission shall foster a comprehensive understanding under this Mission shall also be worked into account the dynamic nature of eco systems in a
of the impact of Climate Change across different sectors
of society and how they are interrelated. Solutions for out in close coordination with the Tamil changing climate.
various climate crisis, be it unprecedented rise in sea Nadu Wetlands Mission as already
levels, agricultural productivity, vulnerable coastal Climate courses and curricula in Universities, Institutions,
announced by the Government of Agencies etc., shall be encouraged under the Mission.
population and its infrastructural facilities and assets,
guidance on ways and means to mitigate them. Tamil Nadu.

GOALS OF For initiatives under the Mission, efforts would be taken to The Mission will closely work with stakeholder departments The mission will focus on possibilities of
creating new employment opportunities
THE TAMIL NADU
augment resources from various funding options viz., on eco alternative solutions to single use plastic, sustainable
practices for disposal of solid waste including sewage,
National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), (Green Jobs) through promotion of

CLIMATE
Green Climate Fund (GCF) etc., e-waste, bio-medical waste etc.,
Green Technology.
The Mission will work with partners and expert institutions to

CHANGE MISSION
The mission intends to expand collective human action to
respond to climate change by investing in definite develop new technologies in the sector.
strategies, research & evidence, coordination with line
departments and well-planned measures for maximum
efficiency.
 04
PROGRAMMES
IMPLEMENTED
UNDER TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE
CHANGE MISSION
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

4.1. SETTING UP OF
In order to drive innovative climate & sustainability solutions, transforming Urban & Rural infrastructure and its communities the Tamil
Nadu Government has set up the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) which is a Section (8), Not-for-Profit Company. TNGCC DISTRICT CLIMATE PROGRAMMES
IMPLEMENTED
is a first of its kind, ambitious initiative which will act as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to address the Climate Crisis in the State.
TNGCC will also strive to coordinate and push for the progress of all activities proposed to be undertaken as per the State Action Plan
on Climate Change in line with the National Commitments. The Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company has set up a specialized Project
CHANGE MISSION
IN ALL DISTRICTS
UNDER TAMIL NADU
Management Unit (PMU) headed by the Chief Project Director for coordinating and monitoring of project activities under all three
Missions. The Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company has been set up with the following objectives:
OF TAMIL NADU
Planning, execution and monitoring of the State-wide
Programme for the climate change adaptation and
Educate and empower local communities in management
of climate change at ground zero. CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
mitigation, wetlands mapping and restoration, enhancing
Promote successful climate change adaptation and
the forest and tree cover of the State to 33% over the next
mitigation models for replication.
ten years.
Build standards for energy efficient infrastructure to save
Creating strong policy support for climate change, cutting
precious energy and reduce energy consumption.
across all sectors of governance.
Create practical models for green mobility to reduce As part of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change mission, the Government of Tamil Nadu is integrating the climate
Devise strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
emissions. concerns of the state in development plans at the grassroots level to climate-proof the districts and villages. In
bench marking of industries to move towards green
manufacturing etc. Create State-of-the-Art monitoring mechanism for better view of this, the Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department has come up with a one of its kind
compliance of Environmental Standards through initiative where District Climate Change Mission is set up to strengthen the Climate response. The District
Promote eco-friendly technologies transparent and credible systems. Collectors are designated as the District Climate Change mission Directors and the District Forest Officers are
towards a sustainable future e.g., solar Conserve and preserve natural resources and promote
designated as the District Climate officers. Through the District Climate Change mission, the site and sector
specific key adaptation & mitigation strategies and action plans relevant to the district will be implemented in the
and wind harvesting technologies, their sustainable use. districts. Also, district officials of all departments are trained to manage the climate hazards as per identified
biodegradable packaging, e-vehicles etc. Creating a framework to bring synergy among the line vulnerabilities and are made aware of timely interventions for the future to handle the climate crisis effectively.
Departments of the State for initiatives for environment
Develop collaborations and strengthen protection.
Every project to be implemented in the district would be scrutinized under
community engagement to build long Creating a platform for integration of knowledge and the Climate Change lens by the District Climate Change mission. Financial
term commitment for a Net Zero Carbon experience of National and International agencies through allocation of Rs. 3.80 crores for 38 districts (each district Rs. 10 lakhs each) for steering the Climate action at the
future for Tamil Nadu. collaboration and partnership. district level has been sanctioned to the districts.

Promote multi stakeholder approach to fast-track climate Developing a framework for capacity building of various
change action in a synergized fashion. stakeholders (Line Departments, institution / Universities,
Researchers, Experts, Non-Government Organizations
Use proven climate change science & technologies to (NGOs) on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,
create evidence based green models for emulation and wetlands, tree plantation, eco restoration etc.
adaptation.
The overall implementation framework for the Climate
Change Mission is as follows:
46 47
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

4.2. CLIMATE

CLIMATE STUDIO
STUDIO AT
ANNA UNIVERSITY
AT ANNA UNIVERSITY

The Government of Tamil Nadu had set up the Climate Studio at the Centre for Climate Change Climate Studio Facilities: Forestry: Mapping Western and Eastern Ghats using
& Disaster Management, Anna University in 2019 with the objective to contribute to Capacity Geographical Information System (GIS) tool to understand
Building & Knowledge Management on Climate Science and Research. The Studio was set up The Studio, the only one of its kind is equipped with a forest types and composition in all forest types using ERDAS,
with the financial support of GIZ India at Rs 246.87 lakhs under their Climate Change Adaptation high-performance cluster with 200TB of storage and employing the MaxEnT model to identify the most vulnerable
in rural areas of India Project. accessories for Climate Modelling. Enabled with State of the and threatened species in the forest ecosystem.
Art facilities and updated software the Studio will provide
The Climate Studio has now been revived and is operational with adequate infrastructure and precise & high-resolution cadastral information on; Coastal Ecosystem: Developing Shoreline mapping,
State of the art Climate modelling tools. The Environment Climate Change and Forest Identification of Coastal ecosystems including mangroves,
Department, Government of Tamil Nadu has sanctioned Rs 3.8 crores for the period of Climate Modelling: Identification and downscaling of Global Cadastral level study on Sea Level Rise (SLR) and its impact
01.01.2022 to 31.12.2023. Climate Models (GCMs) to high-resolution Regional Climate on the inland ecosystem, Climate Change Vulnerability on the
Models (RCMs) and development of cadastral level data for Coastal Ecosystem and shoreline changes.
the state of Tamil Nadu.
The Studio aims to bring together the scientific community, Government agencies, National
Sustainable Habitat: Assessment of Air Quality and
Research Institutes and other Universities with an integrated research program addressing the
Water Resources: Setting up baseline Hydrological Model for Particulate Matter in the Urban area of Tamil Nadu,
Climate Change issues in all the Districts. The
Studio is enabled with a State of 17 River Basins in Tamil Nadu, Process-based Simulation of Identification of Heat Islands and climate impacts, Urban
the Art comprehensive lab facility to assess the Climate Risk and 17 Basins, Hydrological Estimation of 17 Basins for future Green cover management to reduce radiation and enhance
scenarios and framing adaptation plan for water resources. carbon sink, Urban flood management and disaster risk
vulnerability on different sectors such as water resources, reduction activities, Understand Vector-borne diseases in
agriculture, forestry, coastal resources and sustainable habitat. Agriculture: Collating details of crop yield, leading varieties in Tamil Nadu and develop forecasting models.
all agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu, Crop Simulation using
DSSAT across the Agro Climate Zones and for all districts of Capacity Building and Training: With innovative tools &
Tamil Nadu for projected climate scenario, vulnerability approaches workshops across sectors , Climate Literacy
assessment and framing adaptation plan for Agriculture campaigns, preparation of sectoral handouts for training
Sector. officials.

48 49
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

4.3. CHIEF MINISTER’S GREEN

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

UNDER TAMIL NADU

CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
The Government has issued orders for Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship
PROGRAMMES
IMPLEMENTED

programme launched in 38 districts of Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs.6.00 crores

for 2 years. The Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship Programme is an exciting
opportunity for young people to work directly with the State Government and
The primary role of a
the District Administration of Tamil Nadu.
Green Fellow will be to inform policymakers on
environmental issues at a District level.

Core functions of the Green Fellows / Green Associates include supporting

the implementation, monitoring and evaluating the outcomes,
communicating the impact of policies aimed at protecting the environment of
the State of Tamil Nadu, and delivering better environmental services. CM
Green Fellows will assist the District Administration on all subjects that fall
within the scope of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and
Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu. The Green fellows will strive forward for
achieving the following outcomes:

● Support implementation of three Flagship Missions & Establish

institutional feedback mechanisms

● Support the District Administration in the effective delivery of

environmental services.

● Support the District Administration in the effective implementation of

the plastic ban.

● Promote the “Meendum Manjappai” initiative and eco-alte. 60,000/-

& Rs. 15,000/- per month as travel allowance
50
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

4.4. BLUE FLAG Objective of the BEAMS programme

CERTIFICATION ● To abate pollution in coastal waters & beaches

● Promote sustainable development of beach amenities/ facilities
● Protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources and
encourage local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain
high standards of cleanliness
UNDER TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
● Hygiene, safety and security for beachgoers in accordance with
Blue Flag Programme is a world renowned Eco label certification for coastal environment norms & regulations
PROGRAMMES
IMPLEMENTED

beaches and marinas. It is operated by the International,

Non-Governmental, Non-profit Organization - FEE (Foundation for The criteria for awarding the beach for blue flag certification

The Blue Flag was

Environmental Education), Denmark. 1) Environmental education and information
2) Water quality
created in France in 1985, as a pilot scheme by
3) Environmental Management
FEE and currently implemented in 49 countries.
4) Safety and Services
Blue Flag beach is an Eco-tourism model aiming to provide a clean and
hygienic bathing water facility, safe and healthy environment and Selected Beaches for BEAMS Programme in Tamil Nadu
sustainable development of the area for tourists / beach goers.
S. No Beach Name/Location District
In India, the Blue Flag certification programme is being implemented under 1. Marina Beach Chennai
the Beach Environment and Aesthetic Management System (BEAMS)
programme. BEAMS is an integrated coastal management scheme 2. Manalmelkudi Pudukkottai
conceived by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
3. Kushi Beach Ramanathapuram
(MoEF&CC), Government of India to plan sustainable tourism and healthy
coasts. This scheme is monitored by the Society of Integrated Coastal 4. Silver Beach Cuddalore
Management (SICOM) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
5. Kottaipattinam Pudukkottai
Change, Government of India.
6. Neelankarai Beach Chengalpattu
Kovalam Beach, Chengalpattu was selected as the pilot beach in Tamil
Nadu for the Blue Flag Programme implemented by SICOM. Kovalam 7. Kameshwaram Beach Nagapattinam
Beach has been certified as the Blue beach in September, 2021. 8. Naravakkam, Marakkanam Villupuram

The Government has issued orders Vide G.O(Ms.) No.89 Environment, 9. Kayalpattinam Thoothukudi
Climate Change and Forests (EC-3) Department Dated 22.10.2021 for
10. Neithal Nagar Beach Nagapattinam
implementing Blue Flag Certification Programme in 10 Beaches for 5 years
with the financial outlay of Rs.100 crores

52 53
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

4.5. PASUMAI
PALLIKOODAM THITTAM
(GREEN SCHOOLS SCHEME)
UNDER TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
PROGRAMMES
IMPLEMENTED

With Climate Change becoming a reality, young children need to

be prepared for climate change adaptation and mitigation
activities. Children and youth should be the point of focus for
climate change since green revolution begins with the younger
generation. A proposal, to give life to this idea as a first step, the
Government of Tamil Nadu has announced that 25 Green Schools
shall be selected to implement the green vision of the hon’ble
These schools shall undertake
Chief minister.
various green measures like promoting
energy efficiency through solar, adapting
rain water harvesting, composting, creating
vegetable garden, medicinal garden and
planting of fruit trees, reducing water use,
recycling of waste water, creating a plastic
free environment etc. The electricity requirements for
the school will be met by Solar Power. Total cost of Rs.5.00 cr. for
25 Schools at the rate of Rs. 20.00 lakhs per school is sanctioned
for the Green Schools Scheme. These schools shall be the
torchbearers of the green school initiative which will inspire all
other schools to follow the green footprints. The schools shall also
be ranked on a green index to create a repository of information on
green initiatives.

54
 05
ACTIVITIES
UNDER TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE CHANGE
MISSION
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.1. Rehabilitation
of coastal habitats
for climate change
adaptation through
eco-friendly
solutions: Coastal ecology is under great threat from the visible effects of climate change. The
Formation of Bio-shields impact and intensity of hydro-meteorological disasters too are increasing. The adverse
with Casuarina, Palmirah, impact of these on coastal communities is leading to an increase in losses of lives and
Cashew, mangroves, and livelihood. The Coastal zone is also considered as the vital ecological bridge between the
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and therefore their protection, restoration, and
other specialized species.
conservation are essential to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.
Propagating Mangroves,
An eco-friendly measure for the protection and restoration
Seagrass beds, and Coral
of coastal habitats is now regarded as an effective Such buffer zones serve several purposes:
reefs.
response to reduce and reverse the negative effects of ● Shrubs control erosion and stabilize the shore;

habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation on native ● Green belts significantly alleviate wind energy thus protecting the hinterland from oceanic forces;
● A green belt of trees effectively reduced the force of devastating storm surges and waves;
biological diversity and ecological processes. Ecosystem-based
adaptation is a strategy for adapting to climate change that harnesses nature-based ● Trees are beneficial for biodiversity and can induce habitats for wildlife;
solutions and ecosystem services. For instance, protecting coastal habitats like ● People inhabiting hazard-prone coasts would benefit from green belts in terms of security, access to food, fodder, raw materials
mangroves provides natural flood defences; reforestation can hold back desertification or industries, shelter and income;
and recharge groundwater supplies in times of drought; and water bodies like rivers and
● Strips behind the green belts served as areas of peace and tranquility.
lakes provide natural drainage to reduce flooding.
The successful outcomes of the establishment of bioshield in the coastal regions will deliver
The 1076 km long coastline of Tamil Nadu constitutes nearly 15% of the total coastal i) Sand dune fixation,
length of India. It is endowed with a rich biodiversity reserve now under great peril due to
ii) Sand dune stabilization, and
exposure to human activities and settlements. Coastal vegetation has a significant
potential to mitigate damage and save human lives by acting as buffer zones during iii) Afforestation.
extreme natural events. Nature has provided biological mechanisms for protecting It is to be mentioned that, the raising of bioshield plantations right from the high tide line may have serious implications on the ecology
coastal communities from the fury of cyclones, coastal storms, tidal waves, and and wildlife of the coastal areas.As part of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, the Government of Tamil Nadu has decided to
tsunamis. Bio-shields constitute one such mechanism for safeguarding the ecology of conduct a baseline study as well as the implantation activity along the vulnerable coastal stretches of Tamil Nadu.
coastal areas and the livelihood of the fishing and farming communities. Bioshields can
be created by strip planting of a sand dune with vegetation.

58 59
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.2. CARBON A demo site would be set up

ENRICHMENT at the Nanmangalam Forest
in Chennai. By using the
PROGRAMME bio-mined enriched soil from
the Perungudi dump.
TAMIL NADU CLIMATE
ACTIVITIES UNDER

CHANGE MISSION

Soil carbon storage is a vital ecosystem necessity that plays an

extremely important role in promoting tree growth through an
increased supply of nutrients. enhanced retention of water and
by storing significant amounts of carbon. Greater Chennai
Corporation has set up an biomining site at Perungudi, Chennai.
Soil obtained after biomining of the legacy municipal solid waste
is extremely rich in nutrients and carbon.

A demo site would be set up at the Nanmangalam Forest in

Chennai. By using the bio-mined enriched soil from the
Perungudi dump, the Forest Department, along with the Greater
Chennai Corporation and Anna University, would try to enhance
the growth of trees and forest expansion in the degraded forest
landscape at Nanmangalam. The project will be implemented
with an outlay of Rs. 1.00 Crore.

Outcomes of the project includes

● Improved carbon sequestration,
● Restored soil organic carbon
● Increased water holding capacity and increased nutrient
availability beneficial for plant growth & micro organisms.
● Reclamation of land after biomining
60
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.3. CLIMATE The Climate Smart villages will be implemented with the following Enhancing green cover, biodiversity and mitigating fuelwood

SMART VILLAGES
broad objectives: consumption - Enhancing green cover - Preparation of
Peoples’ Biodiversity Register by Biodiversity Management
Understand challenges and vulnerability of the local Committee of the village covering agricultural, domesticated,
community to climate risks and wild biodiversity - Identification of alien, intrusive and
Develop future solutions to build climate resilience and invasive species of plants and animals at the village level, and
increase adaptation & mitigation measures developing livelihood linked strategies for their removal. The
TAMIL NADU CLIMATE
ACTIVITIES UNDER

livelihood component is to be enabled through MGNREGS and

Identify & implement village/community level agriculture
NRLM. - Plantation of scientifically identified species of trees
CHANGE MISSION
Identify ecological and socio-economical solutions viz., setting and plants in degraded lands that have higher salinity or
up village-level CC information centres for weather smart alkalinity for restoration through bioremediation
activities like agro advisories.
Sustainable housing and power- Setting up rooftop solar power
Carbon / nutrient smart practices for better management of solutions and appliances, and energy-efficient lighting through
agroforestry, land use, and livestock management, biofuels etc the UJALA scheme
Climate Change can have a dramatic impact on our natural resources, economic Institutional, market smart activities like farmer-to-farmer Water Supply/micro watershed management and sanitation -
activities, food security, health, and physical infrastructure. India is one of the learning, contingency planning, market info, etc Water Supply/micro watershed management and sanitation -
countries that is most affected by Climate Change. The threat is especially severe in Biowaste composting and vermicomposting (wet and dry Construction of Community Sanitary Complexes - Community
places where people’s livelihoods depend on natural resources. In such areas, waste) - Individual and community-level compost pits toilets to be made as E-toilets or Bio toilets that can be
Climate Adaptation measures take on a special significance for safeguarding combined with a solar-powered water systems - Decentralized
Biomass gasification of livestock waste and Waste-to-energy
vulnerable communities and their livelihoods as well as ensuring sustainable Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) - Training of
conversion - Waste-to-energy plants at the village level
development. Governments across the world are promoting Climate-Smart Villages technicians and engineers in the village to build
Crop residue management through Conservation farming - climate-resilient micro-water infrastructure under MGNREGS
(CSVs) with an emphasis on the village as a production unit to sustainably produce
Happy seeder, super seeder, and other farm machinery, along
more food and other agricultural produce while increasing resilience to Climate Promoting Organic Farming and sustainable agriculture -
with improved capacities of farmers
Change. The increasing frequency of climate hazards coupled with the vagaries of Setting up of organic farms, certification, and access to
Training and support for SHGs and micro-enterprises to take markets - Climate-smart fisheries and aquaculture as a part of
climate makes it imperative to start looking at alternate and climate-proofed models
up manufacturing of biomass briquettes - Briquette Climate-Smart Agriculture - Training farmers and locals to desilt
of rural lifestyles. Climate-Smart Villages have successfully combined global
manufacturing units and maintenance of ponds, rivulets, water tanks, canals,
knowledge with local action to help farmers sustainably produce more food while
curbing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience to climate change. Plastic Phase-Out - Replacing plastic bags with Manjappais shutters, etc., in the village
(information to sensitise detrimental impacts of plastic can be Ensuring the dissemination and application of climate risk
The state of Tamil Nadu as part of its Climate Change Mission is looking into the disseminated through the ICT component of MGNREGS) - information services - Provision of stable climate information
Installation of reverse plastic bottle vending machines in the services.
concept of Climate Smart Villages. The idea of the Mission is to understand the
bus stop along the arterial roads of the village - Innovative
challenges and vulnerability faced by the village communities posed by Climate
models for tying up with garment brands and infrastructure Learning’s from Climate Smart Villages
Change. The Climate Smart Villages would serve as demo sites to test an approach
through participatory methods with various technological and institutional options
projects that could reuse plastic as inputs would be explored would help the State understand
for dealing with Climate Change at the community level. As part of the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Enhancement - Increasing individual horticulture ground-level climate-related interventions
cultivation and developing GP/village level horticulture
Climate Change Mission, it is already planned to implement Climate-smart villages
gardens. This could be done in convergence with the National which could be upscaled at the State level
in 10 villages across the agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu with a budget of Rs. 10
crores. Further, it is proposed to conduct a baseline study on climate smart villages
Ayush Mission - Create community-level horticulture and helping the Govt in climate proofing
kitchen gardens to earn additional income and fulfill nutrition
prior to the implementation at the 10 villages. requirements locally. These can be tied up with local various Govt schemes.
62 Anganwadi centres and run with the help of SHGs. 63
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.4. SUSTAINABLE HABITAT:

ENERGY SAVING MEASURES
IN BUILDINGS TO REDUCE
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
TAMIL NADU CLIMATE
ACTIVITIES UNDER

CHANGE MISSION

Energy efficiency delivers a number of environmental benefits. It notably

reduces GHG emissions, both direct emissions from fossil fuel
combustion or consumption and indirect emissions reductions from
electricity generation. Energy-efficient technologies will reduce Green
House Gas (GHG) emissions, sensitizing architects, engineers, interior
designers and plumbers, electricians, and building industry stockholders
on energy-efficient technologies in the construction sector.
Conceptualize an approach to set out to implement policies to facilitate
energy efficiency in buildings in the State. Energy saving measures in
Government and private buildings, both independent homes and
apartments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy
Energy saving measures in Government and
production and consumption.
private buildings, both independent homes and
One of the main objective of this activity is to create awareness about apartments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
energy saving, skill development for builders & developers for building
climate friendly infrastructure, developing Standard Operating
from energy production and consumption.
Procedures (SOP) for construction of energy efficient houses and
developing a green building rating mechanism. Right guidance from
reputed green rating organisations will help to achieve the goal with
certainty and ease.
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 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.5. CLIMATE RESILIENT

GREEN MONUMENTS
TAMIL NADU CLIMATE
ACTIVITIES UNDER

CHANGE MISSION

As part of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, the Government of

Tamil Nadu has developed the concept of creating green monuments, The
climate resilient green monuments aims to develop self-sufficient
monuments that can withstand all kinds of climatic variations.
The pilot project will include efficient solar
lighting, water management, heat management,
greening, eco-restoration of monument tanks,
interventions to remove plastic and microplastic,
etc. It will also include the enrichment of
monument gardens to enhance biodiversity.
The green monument concept is a holistic development process that
involves much more than simply putting solar panels on the roofs of
monuments. It involves a comprehensive integration of: the ecological
monument structure and energy system, economic sustainability, and
integration with the surrounding environment. The pilot phase would
throw light on the key measures to be adopted for buildings of cultural
and heritage value to make them climate resilient.

66
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.6 CLIMATE LITERACY

AND INTERNATIONAL
CLIMATE SUMMIT
TAMIL NADU CLIMATE

Climate literacy across spatial, temporal and generational extent has become essential
ACTIVITIES UNDER

To achieve the aim of the Climate Literacy Programme a

in the event of ever-increasing threats and damages posed by the climate hazards and
baseline study is warranted. With an aim to assess the
its predicted future impacts. It is proposed to enhance the climate literacy of the state
CHANGE MISSION

understanding of policymakers and students on the

through various programmes and by conducting International Climate Summits.
issues around climate change, impacts and vulnerability,
it is proposed to conduct a Baseline Study on Climate
The Climate Literacy Programme aims to create Literacy in Tamil Nadu.
awareness and improve the comprehensive understanding The study also seeks to document the knowledge
of all the stakeholders viz. Government functionaries, products available to these stakeholders for promoting
and raising awareness about it. The Baseline Study is to
Students from schools & colleges, Farmers, Fisher folk, address the following specific objectives of the study:
lndustries, Self Help Groups through all the audio-visual
● Understand the current levels of climate literacy
medium of information and communication methods. among sample populations of different
These include Videos, Television, Advertisements, Radio, Advertisement jingles, stakeholders, viz. officials at the state level, officials
Extension sessions, Gram Sabha, pamphlets and posters, hoardings and Traditional Art of line departments and school students.
folk. The objectives of the Climate Literacy Programme is to
● Systematically document the knowledge products
● Create awareness on Climate Change impact available on climate change.

● Understand ways and means to mitigate climate change ● Identify the knowledge gaps and suggest a
methodology for implementing the Climate Literacy
● Educating students on climate science, adaptation and mitigation activities
Enhancement Programme in Tamil Nadu.
● Disseminate best practices and practical solutions to mitigate Climate Change
The Baseline Study on Climate Literacy in Tamil Nadu
through media & digital communication platforms like short videos in social media,
will lay foundation to frame the Climate Literacy
Apps etc.,
Programme in Tamil Nadu and to take it forward in a
● Creating a platform for engaging students in Climate Change awareness campaigns effective manner.
on green days to actively involve them in group discussions, digital poster making,
street plays, skits, podcast, public campaigns etc.,

68 69
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

5.7. STAKEHOLDER
WORKSHOPS
ON INTEGRATING
CLIMATE CHANGE
ADAPTATION
AND MITIGATION

A series of 38-district level Workshops and 2 State level workshops are

planned to sensitize and enhance development planning.
Capacity-building workshops for local
communities and government line departments
are also a part of the proposed stakeholder
workshops. This will ensure prioritizing adaptation and mitigation
planning of sectors in districts that require immediate attention to
Climate Change vulnerability. Highlighting scientific evidence on
Climate Change at Regional and Global arenas in addition to focusing
on successful indigenous and technological interventions are needed
for eco-friendly community adaptation for developing resilience in the
society.

70
 EXPECTED
OUTCOMES The expected outcomes of the proposed activities under the Improved energy efficiency technologies will reduce GHG

OF THE PROPOSED

Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission are as follows: emissions

 Prioritizing sectors in districts that are vulnerable to climate  Sensitizing service providers on energy efficient
change technologies in the construction sector

ACTIVITIES
 Framing specific adaptation and mitigation strategies  Conceptualizing approach to set out and implement
policies to facilitate energy efficiency in buildings
 Protection of coasts, reduction of soil erosion, salinity

06
UNDER THE
control and improvement of biodiversity  Improved understanding of climate risks to generate local
support for decision making
 Palmyrah & cashew plantation provides solutions to
tolerate drought and act as shore protection  Integration of adaptation approach to climate variability in
water resources, forests, agriculture and allied sectors with

TAMIL NADU
 Mangroves to enhance coastal defence
resilient cropping practices
 The identification of vulnerable & eco-sensitive areas on
 Energy efficient interventions and increase in green cover
the coasts of Tamil Nadu will ensure sustainable coastal
in villages of Tamil Nadu

CLIMATE
protection.
 Better coordination, effective monitoring and supervision
 Improved soil carbon sequestration.
of climate projects.
 Restored soil organic carbon, increased water holding

CHANGE MISSION
These pilot projects would throw light on significant measures
capacity and increased nutrient availability beneficial for
to be adopted for buildings of cultural and Heritage value to
plant growth & microorganisms and reclamation of land
make them climate resilient.
after bio mining

73
 TAMIL NADU CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION

APPENDIX
IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change TNSAPCC- Tamil Nadu State Action Plan on Climate Change

GHG – Green House Gases AMRUT- Atal Mission For Rejuvenation And Urban
Transformation
Ppb- Parts Per Billion (PPB)
NAFCC- National Adaptation Fund For Climate Change
LULCC- Land Use Land Cover Change
TNGCC- Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company
UNFCCC- United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change SPV- Special Purpose Vehicle

NAPCC – National Action Plan on Climate Change MoEF&CC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change
SST- Sea Surface Temperature
MGNREGS- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
NDC- Nationally Determined Contributions Guarantee Scheme
GDP- Gross Domestic Product NRLM- National Rural Livelihoods Mission
GCF- Green Climate Fund UJALA- Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All
GCMs- Global Climate Models DEWATS- Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems
THI- Thermal Heat Index TNPCB- Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
SDG- Sustainable Development Goals H&UD - Housing & Urban Development
SOC- Soil Organic Carbon GoTN- Government of Tamil Nadu
TEDA- Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency
TNGCC
Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company

TAMIL NADU
CLIMATE CHANGE MISSION
DOCUMENT

Department of Environment,
Climate Change & Forest