Climate Change Threatens Cocoa Production and Increases Chocolate Prices

Research indicates that climate change is worsening conditions for cocoa farming, causing chocolate prices to rise and threatening farmer livelihoods. Climate Central’s findings reveal that excessive heat reduces crop yields, while Christian Aid emphasizes the impacts on low-income farmers. With cocoa bean prices surging, immediate action is needed to address these challenges.

Climate change is adversely affecting the chocolate industry, driving up costs and threatening availability, according to recent studies. Research by Climate Central indicates that rising temperatures are complicating cocoa cultivation, thus elevating chocolate prices and potentially limiting future supplies. The UK charity Christian Aid highlights the negative impact on farmers who rely on these crops for their livelihood, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges.

Scientists at Climate Central tracked temperatures in leading cocoa-producing nations for a decade and discovered that excessive heat increasingly impacts cacao trees. They reported that, during three weeks of each year, excessive heat has contributed to decreased quality and quantity of cocoa production. The temperatures have risen to above 32 degrees Celsius, which is detrimental to cacao health, hindering bean production.

Specifically, the data showed that, during the past ten years, the hottest months (October to March) in Ghana and the Ivory Coast have seen more days where temperatures surpassed this critical threshold. Other nations such as Cameroon and Nigeria were included in the analysis, underscoring widespread climate change effects. The report indicates that last year, marked as the hottest on record, witnessed extreme temperatures impacting a vast majority of the regions evaluated.

With fewer harvests, cocoa bean prices are escalating, having increased globally by 136% from July 2022 to February 2024. The compounded effects of climate change, fluctuating rainfall, and insect infestations notably challenge farmers’ ability to produce cocoa. Christian Aid underscores the negative ramifications of rising cocoa prices, particularly for farmers who derive their income from these crops.

Osai Ojigho, director of Christian Aid’s policy and public campaigns, remarked, “Growing cocoa is a vital livelihood for many of the poorest people around the world, and human-caused climate change is putting that under serious threat.” This pressing situation calls for immediate action to protect cocoa farmers and stabilize the chocolate supply chain in the face of climate change.

In conclusion, climate change is significantly disrupting cocoa farming, leading to increased chocolate prices and posing a serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods. As temperatures rise and crop yields decline, both the economic viability of chocolate production and the sustenance of vulnerable agricultural communities are jeopardized. Immediate attention and intervention are crucial to mitigate these challenges and protect the future of chocolate production.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk