#climatechange poses a major threat to coffee production, with up to 75% of land in Brazil and 58% globally potentially becoming unsuitable by 2050. Moving to higher altitudes can help but has limitations. Agroforestry techniques like providing plant shade can also help coffee withstand higher temperatures.
The coffee industry supports the livelihoods of over 125 million people across the globe. The global coffee sector employs an estimated 260 million people through its supply chain. At around $200 billion, coffee is a vital agri-commodity for dozens of developing nations.
The numbers paint a worrying picture:
# Between 35% to 75% of coffee farmland in Brazil could become unsuitable for cultivation by 2100. Given Brazil produces over 35% of the world’s coffee, this would be devastating.
# One study suggests that up to 58% of global coffee growing areas could become unsuitable by 2050 under a high emissions scenario. The impact will be harshest across Nicaragua, Brazil and Uganda.
# Coffee rust disease already causes over $3 billion in damages yearly. Warmer temperatures will enable it to spread faster and wider.
# Smallholder farmers who rely on coffee for income are especially vulnerable. Their very livelihoods are at risk.
We must support producer and consumer countries in mobilizing financing and knowledge to build climate resilience across coffee farming communities. Funding support for R&D into heat-tolerant coffee varieties must also be boosted.
Public-private partnerships can aid technology transfer and finance smallholders to implement resilience measures like agroforestry. Regional cooperation is also crucial – to enable upland migration where possible.
We have the scientific know-how to make coffee climate-proof. What we need now is global solidarity and the political will to act in defence of the morning brew that brings us all together.
The future of millions of livelihoods hangs in the balance. We cannot let climate change determine the fate of coffee.
Green Climate Fund, #SaveOurCoffee, #climatefinance, #KeepCupBrewing
#CoffeeAgainstClimateChange, #earlywarning
Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD 