The areas of BCP 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 of the country would be underwater by 2030.

Here the map shows that areas of Christchurch and Poole in particular could be at risk.

Areas of BCP that are at risk

The main areas in BCP that are considered under threat include Christchurch harbour, as well as its sections along the River Stour and River Avon.

The map showing the areas of Christchurch at risk (Image: Climate Central)

Mudeford Quay and Mudeford Sandbanks would be flooded in this scenario along with some sections of Hengistbury Head beach.

Sandpit Marsh would also be at risk alongside swathes of South West Christchurch and plenty along the River Avon.

Meanwhile, Poole would also have a fair amount of area under threat in this scenario, especially all around its harbour.

Swathes of Poole could be at risk (Image: Climate Central)

Poole Ferry Terminal would be at risk of flooding as well as the A350 and A3049 roads.

Baiter Park and the Poole Cycle Speedway are in the red for its South East section.

Bournemouth in comparison has very little that would be flooded, with only a small section of its beach being at risk, as well as sections of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island.

You can view the full map via the Climate Central website here.

Bournemouth would have far less land lost in comparison to Poole and Christchurch (Image: Climate Central)

Datasets include 'some error'

Climate Central does admit 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."