Coffee shortage climate change
According to a new report, Coffee production could be cut by up to 50 per cent in a few decades because of the effects of climate change.
The coffee industry is worth $19 billion worldwide, with more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed every day.
But the report from Australia’s Climate Institute, titled, A Brewing Storm, showed unless action was taken, the effects of climate change would result in supply shortages and increased prices.
A full half of the world’s area that’s deemed suitable for growing coffee will be lost by 2050 if climate change remains unchecked, according to the report.
Over the last two years, Brazil (the country responsible for the production of a third of the world’s coffee) has struggled to keep up with demand due to drought. Fortunately, other producers have been able to cover the difference. But this trend isn’t going to continue.
“Climate change can have a significant adverse effect in the short term,” he said. “It’s no longer about the future; it’s the present.”
Steps can be taken to mitigate the impact. These include consumers purchasing brands that are carbon- or climate-neutral, and demanding action from coffee companies and governments to ensure that “all products, business models and economies are carbon or climate neutral.”