The areas of Inverclyde that could be underwater by 2030

The study has been conducted by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists who research climate change and its impact on the public.

The organisation used current projections to produce a map showing which areas would be underwater by 2030.

According to the prediction, all areas along the banks of the River Clyde will lose some portion of land.

(Climate Central)

In Port Glasgow, there would be a significant loss to Greenock Road as flooding creeps inland.

Coronation Park would be underwater according to this prediction as would land as far in as Gourock Ropeworks.

Flooding in Greenock is slightly less severe, but still sees portions of land lost.

(Climate Central)

Climate Central shows that the Esplanade would be totally underwater in 2030, as would large sections of the Battery Park.

Sections of Eldon Street would also be at risk.

In Gourock, Climate Central predicts that the train station would be lost underwater. The ferry terminal would also be the victim of land loss, as would much of the A770.

Much of the A771 would also be lost, with flooding reaching as far inland as Chapel Street.

(Climate Central)

However, Climate Central admits the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

 It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."

But it adds: "Improved elevation data indicate far greater global threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding than previously thought, and thus greater benefits from reducing their causes."