Coastal erosion in the Magdalen Islands of Quebec, Canada, is a stark reminder of the profound impact of climate change on this small archipelago situated in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. With footpaths crumbling, cliffs retreating, and sand dunes vanishing, waterfront homes are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the relentless assault of crashing waves. The race against time and the elements to adapt to global warming is underway in this eastern Canadian region within Quebec province. The daily reality of climate change is keenly felt by residents, who find themselves on the front lines of these dramatic changes. Mayka Thibodeau from CERMIM, a research center focused on sustainable development, acknowledges the overwhelming magnitude of the situation, emphasizing the island’s diminutive stature when faced with such immense challenges.
The pace and intensity of the changes are leaving the approximately 13,000 residents reeling, as they grapple with the realization that their island home must undergo rapid and radical adaptations in the coming decades if it is to survive. According to a study conducted by the University of Quebec at Rimouski (UQAR), the picturesque shores of the archipelago have already experienced erosion at an annual rate of half a meter (1.6 feet). Diane Saint-Jean, who resides with her partner on the coast, expresses their concern that a future severe storm could sweep their home into the depths of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Despite their efforts to reinforce the cliff at the edge of their property, Hurricane Fiona in September 2022 ruthlessly washed away the giant rocks they had invested significant amounts of money in. Saint-Jean laments the futility of their endeavors, knowing that nature has ultimately proven their hope for a solution to be misguided.
The issue of erosion is a sensitive subject for the Magdalen Islands’ residents, whose ancestral roots on the archipelago date back to the 18th century. They vividly remember the disappearance of cherished spots and the massive undertaking of moving houses due to flood risks. For local authorities, erosion poses a significant challenge that necessitates multimillion-dollar emergency investments. In Cap-aux-Meules, the collapse of part of the pedestrian walkway in 2018 resulted in the hospital, retirement home, and cemetery being left exposed to hazardous waves. In response, local authorities constructed an extensive gravel beach spanning 800 meters (half a mile), employing 143,000 metric tons of stones to fortify the shoreline. This approach has been utilized multiple times in the past. The reach of coastal erosion extends to Cap-aux-Meules, damaging or destroying walkways and other crucial infrastructure.
The Magdalen islands have witnessed the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events brought about by climate change. They are particularly affected by the disappearing shield of ice during winter, which historically provided a level of protection against violent storms. With the absence of this natural barrier, the coastline is left vulnerable when battered by rough seas. As freezing and thawing cycles occur, the already fragile red sandstone cliffs crumble more easily. This makes it possible for a single storm to erase an entire dune, cliff, or even create new breaches along the coastline. Marie-Eve Giroux, the director of the local environmental organization Attention Fragiles, emphasizes the importance of dune restoration to safeguard against these destructive forces. The organization carries out initiatives such as replanting dunes with beachgrass, which acts as a natural net that helps secure the sand in place with its root system. However, the islands face the imminent risk of being lost to rising waters, a plight shared by countless low-lying areas around the globe. To confront this existential threat, it is essential to explore realistic solutions rather than deny the harsh reality at hand.
CERMIM, under the leadership of Mayka Thibodeau, spearheads numerous projects aimed at restoring the beaches. One innovative approach involves using mollusk shells in the production of concrete, transforming the islands into a living laboratory in the global fight against climate change. Dr. Marianne Papillon, a public health advisor and physician, stresses the urgency of collective action in addressing climate change-related issues. While individual efforts are crucial, true progress will only be achieved when everyone is actively involved. Papillon underscores the need for individuals to make the mental connection between severe storms and climate change, compelling people to take personal responsibility without succumbing to excessive stress. It is clear that the Magdalen islands are at the forefront of climate change’s destructive forces, demanding immediate action from individuals, communities, and global entities alike.
Source: “Canada’s Magdalen islands have ‘front row’ seat to climate change” (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-canada-magdalen-islands-front-row.html
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
