taz.de
Climate Change Drives Record Coffee Prices
Global coffee prices have risen 12 percent due to extreme weather in Brazil and Vietnam, impacting harvests and driving up costs; solutions like developing climate-resilient strains are long-term.
- How have extreme weather events in major coffee-producing regions impacted global coffee prices and supply?
- Coffee prices have increased by 12 percent year-on-year, reaching record highs on commodity markets due to adverse weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam, the world's top coffee producers. These conditions, including frost and excessive heat, damaged coffee crops, impacting global supply and driving up prices.
- What are the long-term challenges to coffee production posed by climate change, and what solutions are being explored?
- The price surge reflects the vulnerability of coffee production to climate change. Extreme weather events, such as frost in Brazil and drought in Vietnam, directly reduce crop yields. The shift in optimal growing conditions for Arabica beans also limits arable land, exacerbating supply constraints.
- What are the potential societal and economic consequences of sustained high coffee prices due to climate change impacts?
- Future coffee prices will likely remain elevated unless new, climate-resilient varieties are developed and implemented. Breeding new strains is a long-term solution, potentially taking over a decade. Meanwhile, reliance on bee pollination for Robusta coffee makes it vulnerable to climate change's impact on insect populations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing consistently emphasizes the negative consequences of climate change on the price and quality of these products. While accurate, this focus might inadvertently create a sense of inevitability and helplessness. A more balanced approach would also highlight efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture and efforts at adaptation by producers.
Language Bias
The language is generally neutral and informative. However, phrases like "Rekordpreise" (record prices) and descriptions of crop damage as "katastrophal" (catastrophic) carry emotional weight that might subtly influence reader perception. Using more objective terms like "high prices" and "significant crop losses" would improve neutrality.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the impact of climate change on the price of coffee, orange juice, olive oil, and vanilla. While it mentions the role of pests and diseases in affecting crop yields, a more in-depth analysis of other contributing factors (e.g., global trade dynamics, agricultural practices, economic policies) would provide a more comprehensive understanding. The lack of discussion on potential solutions beyond breeding new crops is also a notable omission.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies, but the repeated emphasis on climate change as the primary driver of price increases might unintentionally overshadow other important factors contributing to the price fluctuations of these commodities. A more nuanced presentation would acknowledge the complex interplay of various elements.
Gender Bias
The article uses gender-neutral language for the most part. However, the use of "landwirtinnen" (female farmers) in the olive oil section, while inclusive, could be seen as slightly unbalanced if not consistently applied to other agricultural contexts mentioned throughout the article. There is no overt gender bias but attention to consistent language throughout would improve.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details how climate change, manifested through extreme weather events (frost, heatwaves, droughts), is significantly impacting agricultural production of coffee, oranges, olives, and vanilla. Reduced yields and increased prices are direct consequences, highlighting the vulnerability of food systems to climate change. The impact on biodiversity, particularly pollinators like bees, is also noted. This negatively affects the livelihoods of farmers and the availability of these products globally.