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The 2050 Challenge: Climate Change Threatens Coffee and Cocoa Production
With the intensifying effects of global climate change, coffee and cocoa production face unprecedented threats. This looming crisis, known as the “2050 Problem,” suggests that by the year 2050, the growing conditions for these crops will significantly deteriorate, resulting in drastic reductions in yield. This issue not only concerns the livelihoods of farmers and the economies of producing nations but also threatens the stability of global supply chains and consumer choices.
Impact on Coffee Production
Coffee, particularly the popular Arabica variety, is expected to face a severe decline. Research indicates that by 2050, the area suitable for growing Arabica coffee could shrink by half. Rising temperatures, changes in humidity, and irregular rainfall patterns are worsening the growing conditions for coffee plants, leading to decreased yields. Major coffee-producing regions in Central and South America and Africa, such as Brazil and Colombia, are already experiencing increasingly unstable production conditions. Local farmers face severe challenges, with some even being forced to abandon coffee cultivation altogether.
