The coastline of the Magdalene Islands in Canada retreats by half a meter annually, and is affected by climate change
Affected by climate change factors such as global warming, the coastline of many coastal areas has been continuously eroded in recent years, and the houses of some residents are in jeopardy. The coastline of the Magdalene Islands in Canada retreats by about half a meter every year, causing concern among local residents.
The Magdalene Islands are located in the eastern province of Quebec, Canada, and are a 5-hour boat ride from the Canadian mainland. Originally, they have beautiful natural scenery. However, in recent years, the coastline of the archipelago has been gradually receding. According to Agence France Presse, climate change has led to frequent extreme weather, and sea ice near the coast is disappearing. Without this layer of armor, the coastline is directly exposed to wind and rain, making it more susceptible to erosion. In addition, the red sandstone cliffs here have experienced more frequent freezing and thawing, making them more prone to collapse. Some residents have stated that they have spent thousands of Canadian dollars to reinforce the coastline near their yard, but they are also unable to withstand extreme weather conditions.
According to a study by the University of Quebec, the coastline of the Magdalene Islands retreats on average by about half a meter per year. Many residents in coastal areas have to move due to flood risks. In order to prevent further erosion of the coastline, the local government laid gravel beaches along the coastline, using approximately 143000 tons of stones and reinforcing an approximately 800 meter long coastline.