nbcnews.com
Climate Change Drives 70% Surge in Arabica Coffee Bean Prices
Arabica coffee bean prices jumped 70% in 2023 to \$3.50 per pound—the highest since 1977—due to climate change-related events that diminished crop yields in Brazil and Vietnam, impacting coffee prices for consumers and businesses.
- How do climate change-related events in major coffee-producing countries affect the entire coffee supply chain, from farmers to consumers?
- The price surge is directly linked to reduced crop yields due to climate-related events like droughts, frost, floods, and extreme temperatures. These events disproportionately affect coffee farmers and impact the entire supply chain, from bean processing to retail sales. The shortage of coffee beans is driving up costs at each stage.
- What is the primary cause of the recent spike in arabica coffee bean prices, and what are the immediate consequences for consumers and businesses?
- Arabica coffee bean prices have surged 70% in 2023, reaching \$3.50 per pound—the highest since 1977. This increase, driven by climate change impacts like droughts in major coffee-producing regions such as Brazil and Vietnam, will lead to higher coffee prices for consumers and businesses.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of climate change on global coffee production and prices, and what steps can be taken to mitigate these risks?
- Future coffee price increases are highly probable due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, impacting global coffee production. Investment in agricultural research and development is crucial to mitigate climate change's effects on the coffee industry and other agricultural sectors. The rising cost of coffee is an example of broader food price inflation linked to climate instability.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily from the perspective of businesses and consumers impacted by the price increase. While it mentions farmers, the focus is more on the downstream effects. The headline "Coffee Prices to Increase" sets a tone of inevitability and focuses on the price increase rather than other facets of the problem. The emphasis throughout on the negative impacts of price increases on various stakeholders potentially underplays possible positive developments or long-term solutions.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral but contains some potentially loaded terms. Phrases like "spiked", "jumped", and "highest prices since 1977" contribute to a sense of alarm. Suggesting more neutral alternatives such as "increased", "rose", and "unusually high prices" would maintain factual accuracy while reducing the emotional intensity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of climate change on coffee prices and mentions other agricultural impacts briefly. However, it omits discussion of other potential factors influencing coffee bean prices, such as changes in global coffee consumption, economic factors impacting the market, or potential governmental policies. While the article doesn't explicitly mislead, a more complete picture would include these factors. The article also does not discuss solutions to the problem, only mentions of the need for investment.
Sustainable Development Goals
Climate change, through droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures, is significantly impacting coffee bean crops in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. This leads to lower yields, increased prices, and affects the entire supply chain from farmers to consumers. The article directly links climate change as the primary driver of increased coffee prices.