Climate Change’s Impact on Chocolate Production and Prices

Climate change is threatening cacao production in West Africa, where cocoa prices are rising due to crop failures linked to extreme heat, pests, and unpredictable rainfall. The Climate Central study reveals that over the last decade, the main growing regions have faced additional weeks of above-optimal temperatures, diminishing yields. Further research highlights the vulnerability of farmers, as conditions swing from drought to excessive rainfall, threatening their livelihoods and chocolate supply globally.

A recent study indicates that climate change significantly affects cacao production in West Africa, which supplies about 70 percent of the world’s chocolate. These changes include heat, diseases, and unusual rainfall patterns, leading to decreased harvests and rising cocoa prices. The independent research organization, Climate Central, highlights that due to climate change, temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius are increasingly common, adding weeks of extreme heat to the growing season in major cacao-producing countries such as Ivory Coast and Ghana.

The report assessed observational data and applied computer models to compare current temperatures with a hypothetical scenario absent of climate change effects. Researchers noted that the past decade has experienced an additional three weeks of above-optimum heat, notably impacting cacao yield and quality. The situation worsened with the record high temperatures last year, showing a marked increase in heat days that directly threaten crop viability.

The study further noted that factors beyond climate change, such as pest infestations and changing rainfall patterns, also contribute to cocoa price increases. Christian Aid’s separate research underscored the severe impact of climate fluctuations on cacao farmers, highlighting that extreme weather conditions have oscillated from heavy rains to droughts, severely compromising crop yields and farmers’ livelihoods. \n
Osai Ojigho, director of Christian Aid, emphasizes that climate change poses a significant risk to cocoa growers, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. The challenges farmers face have resulted in soaring cocoa prices on international markets, with figures recently exceeding $10,000 per ton, a stark contrast to historical price trends.

Experts like Narcisa Pricope from Mississippi State University urge collective action against the growing aridity threatening cacao regions. With three-quarters of the globe experiencing increased dryness over the past three decades, the role of greenhouse gas emissions becomes evident. Dr. Pricope stresses that efforts to combat environmental degradation are crucial not only for chocolate production but also for the planet’s overall sustainability.

In summary, the increasing impact of climate change on cacao production in West Africa presents a significant threat to chocolate supply. The study by Climate Central indicates that rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns are linked to reduced cocoa quality and increased prices. Without immediate action to address these challenges, both the livelihoods of cacao farmers and the chocolate industry itself face severe repercussions.

Original Source: www.sciencealert.com