In the coffee-producing heartlands of Brazil, the devastating impact of extreme weather is becoming increasingly evident. In Divinolandia, located about 270 kilometers northeast of Sao Paulo, organic coffee farmer Sergio Lange stands beside a struggling coffee plant. Rising temperatures and persistent drought are taking a toll on the region’s coffee plantations, putting livelihoods at risk and driving up the cost of this globally cherished commodity.
Soaring Prices Amid Climate Struggles
Last November, the price of arabica coffee, the world’s most popular variety, soared to its highest level in nearly 50 years. This dramatic price surge highlights the severity of the crisis facing Brazilian coffee farmers. From an aerial perspective, the once-thriving fields of Divinolandia now appear patchy and distressed, with many plants struggling to withstand the relentless heat. For organic farmers like Lange, maintaining sustainable practices amid dwindling water supplies and soaring temperatures is proving to be a significant challenge.
The Harsh Reality on the Ground
On closer inspection, the severity of the situation becomes even more apparent. Organic coffee plants that should be flourishing instead exhibit stunted growth, a direct consequence of insufficient rainfall and rising temperatures. Lange emphasizes that these harsh conditions not only reduce yields but also disrupt the delicate balance required for organic farming, which heavily depends on stable environmental factors.
Charred Fields and Industry Vulnerability
In Caconde, located 300 kilometers northeast of Sao Paulo, the crisis is even more dire. Farmer Moacir Donizetti Rossetto stands amidst scorched coffee plants, with the drought’s impact further exacerbated by extreme heat. The burned fields serve as a stark reminder of the Brazilian coffee industry’s vulnerability to climate change. Many plantations are beyond recovery, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive measures to combat these climatic challenges.
Global Ripple Effect
The effects of Brazil’s struggling its production are being felt worldwide. In major cities like Tokyo, Paris, and New York, consumers are facing rising coffee prices, turning their daily cup of coffee into an increasingly costly indulgence. As Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, grapples with mounting climate challenges, the future of coffee remains uncertain, leaving millions of consumers and businesses concerned about supply chain stability and affordability.
