Climate Change Threatens Chocolate Production and Farmers’ Livelihoods

A recent report reveals that climate change is jeopardizing chocolate production by making cacao harder to grow, resulting in increased costs and potential shortages. Rising global temperatures, particularly in West African cocoa-growing regions, have significantly impacted yield quality and quantity. This poses economic challenges for farmers whose livelihoods depend on cocoa, intensifying the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Climate change poses a significant threat to the chocolate industry, report indicates. As a beloved treat in the UK, chocolate relies heavily on cacao, which is increasingly difficult to cultivate due to rising global temperatures. Research from Climate Central demonstrates that climate change is reducing the availability of cacao, likely leading to higher costs and potential shortages in the future.

The report highlights how extreme heat affects cacao yields, with temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius causing detrimental effects on cacao trees. Over the past decade, it was found that the regions in Ivory Coast and Ghana, which are major producers of cocoa, experienced an additional three weeks of such excessive heat during key growing months.

Moreover, Christian Aid’s findings underscore the adverse impact on farmers who rely on cocoa cultivation for their livelihoods. The collaboration of rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and pest infestations has resulted in fewer crops harvested, further threatening the income of local farmers dependent on cocoa sales.

Cocoa prices have soared dramatically in recent years, with a reported increase of 136% between July 2022 and February 2024. The higher cocoa prices are attributed in part to climate-related challenges, exacerbating the financial struggles of farmers working in this vital sector. As Osai Ojigho of Christian Aid states, “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.”

In summary, climate change is significantly impacting chocolate production by making cacao cultivation increasingly difficult and contributing to soaring prices, which affect both consumers and producers. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect the environment and ensure the livelihoods of farmers critical to chocolate production. It is imperative to address these challenges to safeguard the future of chocolate and its associated economic benefits.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk