Climate change is severely affecting cocoa production in West Africa, driving chocolate prices up due to decreased supply. Key producing countries struggle with extreme weather, leading to a projected 14% drop in production. The broader implications for cacao extend beyond food, impacting cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as well, necessitating urgent action to combat climate change.
Climate change is an imminent issue, regardless of individual beliefs. It poses a real threat to global food supplies, significantly impacting cocoa production in key regions. The critical impacts of extreme weather and altered climates are already visible in the skyrocketing prices of chocolate products.
The primary nations producing cacao—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria—supply approximately 70% of the world’s cocoa. Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are disrupting agricultural conditions, leading to a projected 14% decrease in global cacao production for the 2023-24 season. Consequently, the laws of supply and demand have driven prices upward significantly.
Mainstream media have reported on these price increases, but often fail to connect them explicitly to climate change. For instance, a recent CNN article discussed rising chocolate prices without attributing them to climate change, instead vaguely referencing “years of bad weather.” This omission overlooks the critical underlying causes affecting these regions.
Future projections indicate that climate change will further exacerbate challenges for cocoa farmers, including extended hot days in cacao-growing areas. This leads to severe crop damages and financial losses for farmers, which then translates into limited chocolate availability or increased prices for consumers.
It is essential to recognize that cacao has a broader application beyond just chocolate products; it is utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as well. Many medications contain cacao derivatives to enhance palatability, emphasizing why cacao shortages can have wider ramifications than merely reducing chocolate consumption.
Climate change is an urgent challenge that requires immediate action from all generations. Previous generations have failed to address this lingering issue effectively, leaving it for Millennials and Gen Z to confront. Our response will determine whether we can avoid further damage to our environment and food sources.
In summary, climate change poses a significant threat to cocoa production, resulting in fewer cocoa beans and higher chocolate prices. The issue permeates through media representations that often underplay the gravity of climate change’s impact. Future food security, especially regarding cacao, hinges on our willingness to tackle climate change proactively. Understanding cacao’s broader applications emphasizes the urgency for collective action.
Original Source: www.vice.com
