A translation by Judith Turcotte
The government has just expanded the size of the flood zones, a consequence of the increasingly frequent torrential rains that fall on us due to climate change. The extension of these flood zones leads to disastrous consequences for the residents living in these zones. The property values decrease, insurance becomes impossible and the restrictions on the operation and development of this land becomes a source of frustration. For the municipalities, a review of urban planning and infrastructure becomes necessary. The problem is such that the mayors of the Metropolitan Community of Montréal invited Minister Benoit Charette to summon the cities to establish an action plan.
The torrential rains create temporary floods; however, the warming of the planet also increases the sea levels with the result that the flood of certain populated lands will become permanent. According to the World Bank (Groundswell report), more than 216 million people in Africa, in Asia and in Latin America will have to leave their homes due to the effects of climate change and more specifically due to the increased sea level. What about our Saint Lawrence River?
The rise of the sea level is already felt on Île d’Orléans where century old homes are being swamped by the waves. In the long term, the researchers of Ouranos* predict that the tidal flats of Cap-Tourmante will disappear. Portions of Québec City (lower town and Limoilou) are equally at risk. Montréal will be less affected because the tides of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence do not reach its shores.
The Montréal region should, however, face a decrease in the water level of the river due to a decline in the Great Lakes. A study published in the Science journal revealed that 53% of the largest lakes on the planet experienced a significant decrease between 1972 and 2020. This decrease is due to climate warming, human consumption and sedimentation. A decrease in the river level could have serious consequences on its ecosystem, water supply and commercial and recreational navigation. In the event of a pronounced decrease of the level of the river, important harbour infrastructure expenditures will become necessary to maintain access to the docks and protect the accesses to the drinking water.
All things considered, the Saint Lawrence River is doing well; however, our governments must plan long term. Climate change is inevitable. It is possible to anticipate the consequences and foresee solutions. What is more difficult is to foresee the timing of these events. To see the speed of the warming of the planet, we should not wait much longer, hence the necessity for our governments to anticipate rather than react.
*Ouranos is an innovation hub and place of consultation that allows Québec society to better adapt to climate evolution.