Climate Change’s Adverse Effects on Chocolate Production and Farmers

Climate change is adversely affecting chocolate production, primarily by increasing cocoa prices due to the poor growth conditions for cacao trees. Research indicates rising temperatures hinder cacao cultivation, while reports emphasize negative consequences for the farmers involved. These issues threaten both chocolate availability and the livelihoods of those in cocoa-producing regions.

Climate change is increasingly impacting the chocolate industry by making cocoa production more difficult and expensive. Research from Climate Central indicates that elevated temperatures in major cocoa-producing nations have hindered the growth of cacao trees, raising concerns about chocolate supply in the future. This situation is exacerbated by a report from Christian Aid that highlights the detrimental effects on farmers who cultivate these crucial plants.

A decade-long study by Climate Central evaluated temperatures in key cocoa-producing countries, discovering that climate change has increased the number of excessively hot days that directly affect cacao cultivation. Specifically, rising temperatures can prevent cacao plants from thriving, with heat exceeding 32 degrees Celsius posing a lethal risk to these crops. Consequently, the quality and quantity of cocoa harvested may suffer, raising chocolate prices globally.

Notably, prices of cocoa have surged by 136% between July 2022 and February 2024, primarily due to the mounting impacts of climate change. The report also mentions that additional factors, including increased rainfall and pest infestations, have compounded challenges for cocoa farmers. This precarious situation poses serious risks to the livelihoods of farmers, who depend on cocoa production in regions like West Africa for their survival.

Cacao crops are predominantly grown in West Africa, particularly Ghana and the Ivory Coast, which supply over half of the world’s chocolate production. Climate change primarily stems from human activities, mainly the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil and coal, contributing to a rise in global temperatures. The current research reflects a significant increase in temperature extremes in these regions, further threatening cocoa availability.

In summary, climate change is severely affecting the chocolate supply chain by escalating production costs and jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods. With cocoa prices rising sharply, urgent action is required to address the environmental factors that threaten cacao cultivation. Ensuring sustainable farming practices and mitigating climate change will be essential for protecting both chocolate production and the communities reliant on it.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk