According to recent research, coffee producing would experience rising and “ongoing systemic shocks” as a result of climate change. Due to the high sensitivity of coffee plants to variations in temperature and rainfall patterns, coffee producers are always having to overcome new and challenging situations.
According to the study, which was funded by Australia’s national climate service agency, there has been a noticeable rise in “synchronous climate hazards” among the 12 countries that produce the most coffee globally. In other words, more coffee-producing regions are simultaneously experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change.
The study makes reference to a seminal 2014 study that issued a similarly dismal warning to the world’s coffee community: By 2050, about half of the world’s coffee-growing regions could no longer be viable for growing coffee.
The timing and length of the rainy and dry seasons, as well as changes in temperature and humidity levels, are all being impacted by climate change. Droughts, floods, heat waves and other extreme weather conditions may result from this, harming coffee crops and lowering production.
Climate change not only has these immediate effects, but it is also increasing the prevalence of pests and diseases that can harm coffee plants. For instance, the coffee berry borer, a tiny insect that feeds on coffee beans, is thriving in warmer climates and wreaking havoc on coffee farms across the globe.
In the end, confronting the systemic shocks of climate change in coffee cultivation is not only an economic but also a moral necessity. By taking proactive measures to acclimate to and mitigate the effects of climate change, we can ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all those who depend on this treasured commodity. It is essential for global stakeholders to unite, prioritize climate resilience, and safeguard the future of coffee for future generations.