The situation for coffee farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, highlights the impact of climate change on coffee production and prices. As drought conditions worsen, farmers face lower yields and higher costs. This trend is pushing coffee prices to record highs, affecting consumers worldwide. The International Coffee Organization reported that coffee prices reached a 13-year peak, driven by various factors, including climate change and supply shortages.
• Coffee production is sensitive to temperature changes, making it vulnerable to climate impacts.
• Brazil's frost in 2021 caused a significant supply shock, leading to higher prices for Arabica coffee.
• Robusta coffee, typically cheaper, is also seeing price increases due to adverse weather in Vietnam, its top producer.
• Major coffee brands like Lavazza and Nestlé are raising prices, citing poor harvests and market instability.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial as they affect the cost of coffee globally. As climate change continues to disrupt production, consumers may need to prepare for higher prices in the future. Yet, the demand for coffee remains strong, suggesting that people will continue to buy their daily fix, regardless of price fluctuations.
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