fr.euronews.com
Extreme Weather Drives 103% Surge in Coffee Prices
Extreme weather in 2024 caused a 103% increase in global coffee prices due to crop failures in Brazil and Vietnam, impacting farmers and threatening the industry's future due to climate change.
- What are the immediate consequences of extreme weather on global coffee prices and production?
- In 2024, extreme weather caused coffee prices to surge 103% due to crop failures in major producing regions like Brazil and Vietnam. This impacted farmers and led to price volatility, which is expected to continue in 2025.
- How does the coffee industry's contribution to climate change exacerbate existing vulnerabilities?
- Climate change, manifesting as extreme weather events, is significantly impacting coffee production. Reduced yields and increased prices are direct consequences of these events, threatening livelihoods in coffee-producing countries. This volatility affects not only farmers, but also businesses and consumers globally.
- What systemic changes are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of coffee production and fair compensation for farmers?
- The coffee industry faces a critical juncture. Continued reliance on vulnerable regions and unsustainable practices will exacerbate price instability and threaten coffee production. Diversifying supply chains and investing in climate-resilient farming are crucial for mitigating these risks.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily from the perspective of the negative impacts on coffee farmers and consumers in developed countries. While it mentions the environmental impact of coffee production, it emphasizes the economic consequences more prominently. The headline (if there was one) likely focused on rising coffee prices rather than the broader environmental crisis or the plight of small farmers. This focus may unintentionally downplay the larger environmental implications of climate change and the global responsibility for addressing it.
Language Bias
The article employs strong emotional language in certain sections, such as describing potential consequences as "désastreuses" (disastrous) and using phrases like "plus que doublé" (more than doubled). These terms, while factually accurate, may heighten the sense of urgency and alarm. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as significant increases or substantial rises. The use of the word "crise" (crisis) is repeated, contributing to a sense of alarm.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of climate change on coffee production and price increases, but omits discussion of potential solutions beyond financial aid and diversification from coffee farming. It doesn't explore technological solutions for climate-resilient coffee crops or alternative business models that could help farmers adapt. The article also doesn't discuss the role of large coffee corporations in contributing to climate change or their responsibility in supporting sustainable farming practices. This omission limits the reader's understanding of the complexities of the issue and the range of potential solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified eitheor scenario: either farmers adapt and prices increase, or farmers abandon coffee farming and prices increase further. It does not explore the nuances of gradual adaptation, or other potential outcomes such as government intervention to stabilize prices or consumer behavior changes impacting demand. This oversimplification might lead readers to a limited understanding of the problem's potential solutions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the severe impact of climate change on coffee production, leading to price increases, reduced yields, and potential loss of livelihoods for farmers. Extreme weather events, such as irregular rainfall and high temperatures, are damaging crops and making farming more challenging. This directly relates to the challenges posed by climate change to food security and sustainable agriculture, as outlined in SDG 13.