Climate change is posing significant challenges to global coffee production, with a recent study indicating that suitable areas for coffee bean growth could decrease due to rising temperatures. This, in turn, increases the vulnerability of coffee plants to pests and diseases, impacting both coffee yields and quality. However, the changing climate may also create new opportunities for cultivating coffee in different regions and at higher elevations. With over 225 billion cups consumed daily and millions of livelihoods dependent on coffee production, the stakes are high. Currently, Brazil is the top coffee producer, but nearly half of the world's coffee lands could become unsuitable by 2050. Arabica coffee, which makes up 70% of global production and prefers temperatures between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, is particularly sensitive to climate conditions. Warmer climates can lead to stunted growth and increased pest infestations, such as the coffee berry borer, which thrives above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This situation underscores the crucial relationship between agriculture and climate, and the need for adaptive strategies in the coffee industry.
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