Christian Aid’s report highlights a cocoa crisis driven by climate change, noting a 400% rise in cocoa prices linked to extreme weather patterns. Key cocoa-producing countries have experienced significant crop losses, leading to record high prices and threatening the livelihoods of farmers. Urgent action is needed to support cocoa growers and facilitate climate adaptation measures.
A recent report from Christian Aid has revealed that the cocoa industry is facing a significant crisis due to climate change, with cocoa prices having surged 400% in recent years. This rise is partially attributed to a 2023 heatwave in West Africa that was made 10 times more likely due to climate change, dramatically impacting cocoa production in key regions such as Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. British chocolatiers are voicing their concerns, acknowledging the acute effects of climate change on their businesses and the overall chocolate industry.
The intense heat experienced across cacao-producing areas in 2024 has surpassed optimal temperature ranges for cocoa cultivation. Specifically, human-induced climate change resulted in six additional weeks of extreme temperatures above 32°C in 71% of these critical regions, including Cameroon and Nigeria. The adverse weather conditions have contributed to substantial crop losses and an ongoing cocoa shortage that began in 2023.
This cocoa shortage has triggered record-high prices globally, peaking at $12,605 per ton in December 2024. The declining availability of cocoa in the market has significantly affected chocolate manufacturers, leading to some companies, like Kernow Chocolate, expressing grave concerns for their long-term survival. The challenges of rising prices and reduced supply are forcing small businesses to consider price increases that may jeopardize their viability.
Additionally, climate change has led to erratic weather patterns that have hindered cocoa harvests. Instances of extreme rainfall followed by drought conditions have devastated cocoa crops, exemplifying the unpredictable nature of climate impacts. According to Osai Ojigho of Christian Aid, the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, who often belong to the most vulnerable communities, are in jeopardy due to the changing climate.
Voices from cocoa growers, such as Amelia and Aurelia, emphasize the dire situation they face, with both mentioning crop failures and the threat to food security for their families. Experts stress that without immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and provide targeted financial aid to cocoa growers, the future of cocoa production and those reliant on it remain uncertain.
The Fairtrade Foundation highlights the integral relationship between environmental sustainability and economic viability within the cocoa supply chain. Alexander Carnwath advocates for policy coherence that supports sustainable practices for cocoa producers, emphasizing fair trading relationships that allow growers to maintain a livable income. The urgency for the UK government to intertwine its trade and climate strategies is echoed as a means to promote fairness and sustainability in cocoa production.
In conclusion, climate change continues to pose an existential threat to the cocoa industry, affecting growers and chocolatiers alike. With rising prices and diminishing supplies, the call for sustainable practices and support is paramount. Urging for immediate action on emissions and better trading conditions may help preserve the future of cocoa and secure the livelihoods of countless farmers across the globe.
In summary, the cocoa industry is facing a critical crisis exacerbated by climate change, which is causing rising prices and diminishing supplies. The livelihoods of cocoa producers are increasingly at risk due to unpredictable weather and extreme temperatures. Urgent action is required to mitigate climate impacts, support sustainable practices, and establish fair trading conditions to ensure a resilient future for cocoa farmers and the global chocolate market.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
