## The Desperate Plight of Montgat: A Town Losing Its Shores
Montgat, a quaint town with **12,600 inhabitants nestled just nine miles from Barcelona**, stands as a poignant example of the **devastating impacts of climate change** on the Catalan coastline. Once known for its beautiful sandy beaches, Montgat is now facing a troubling reality—**the near-total disappearance of its beach landscape**.
### A Transformation Driven by Nature
In less than a decade, Montgat’s shoreline has been drastically altered. Previously, a lively stretch of beach ran alongside the railway line; now, the tracks are alarmingly close to the water’s edge. **Sandy areas like Can Tano, Montsolís, and Toldos have virtually vanished**, and popular strands, such as Les Barques, have lost over **70% of their sand**. Once a vibrant tourism hotspot, this maritime town now grapples with an uncertain future.
### The Fight for Restoration
In response to this crisis, **Spain’s Ministry of Ecological Transition** has tabled plans for **submerged breakwaters** aimed at preserving what little sand remains. Yet, studies are still needed to commence construction, leaving Montgat’s beaches in a precarious state of limbo.
### A Local’s Heartbreaking Reflection
Joan, a long-time resident of Montgat, reflects on the changing landscape: “**Decades ago, the beach was three times what it is now**,” as he prepares to walk along the remnants of what used to be. The absence of sand is stark—**the stairs leading to the beach now hang in mid-air**, a vivid portrayal of loss. A nearby security guard laments, “**Without a beach, fewer and fewer people come, leading to a drastic decline in parking revenue.**”
### Unyielding Challenges with Climate Change
The **Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB)** has conducted studies revealing alarming trends related to climate change. Their report details a continuous rise in sea levels, stating that, since 2003, the coast has seen an increase of **5.6 mm per year**, amounting to a total of **14 cm (5.5 inches) over the last 25 years**. Montgat has been identified as **the most critical case** within the metropolitan region, making its plight a focal point of ongoing political discourse.
### Political Turmoil
Rosa Funtané, former mayor of Montgat and member of the opposition, expresses her concerns: “**In every session, we demand answers about the disappearance of our beaches and the state of the promenade**. We’re losing both heritage and economic activity, yet local government actions remain stagnant.”
Daniel Fuentes, a spokesman for Montgat En Comú Podem, echoes Funtané’s sentiments. Although the municipality lacks jurisdiction over the beaches, **he emphasizes the need for proactive measures** to recover them while mitigating environmental impacts. This year, **a 50% increase in local property taxes** has caused local outrage, seen as a desperate attempt to balance the budget amid dwindling tourist revenue.
### Local Initiatives and Future Prospects
Local governance remains entangled in a coalition involving the **Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC)** and other groups. Recent site visits by officials emphasized the urgency of addressing the worsening conditions. Mayor Andreu Abad (PSC) noted, “**Of the five or six beaches, only two remain. We await a project akin to what was achieved in Premià de Mar, while our proposal undergoes environmental assessments.**”
### The Need for Action
With estimates suggesting **391,383 cubic meters of sand** are needed to restore the beaches to a minimally acceptable condition, Montgat’s authorities face immense challenges. Attempts to source sand from nearby ports have been hindered by rising costs due to unforeseen shifts in sediment movement. “**We spent €1.5 million decontaminating coastal areas, but budget constraints limit our resilience**, especially post-pandemic,” Abad laments.
### Business Owners Speak Out
Silvia Capo, who runs the **Banys Verge del Carme** restaurant, reflects on the dramatic changes: “**Each year seems to bring less sand**. This restaurant has been thriving for 97 years, but the future looks grim. Current priorities should focus on attracting tourists back to Montgat.”
### Conclusion: A Town in Peril
Montgat serves as a **harrowing reminder of the environmental and economic challenges** facing coastal communities in the era of climate change. As the town struggles to reclaim its beaches, the stories of its residents reflect a deep-seated connection to their environment—a bond now threatened by rising tides. The hope remains that collective action may offer a lifeline for Montgat’s shores.
**For more information on climate impacts**, refer to the AMB’s detailed studies [here](https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-06-29/climate-change-is-multiplying-the-probability-of-deadly-heat-waves-in-the-us-and-central-america.html).
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