How Climate Change is Affecting Coffee

Coffee, a staple in daily routines worldwide, is confronting significant challenges due to climate change. Rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns and increased prevalence of pests and diseases are jeopardising coffee cultivation, leading to supply constraints and escalating prices.​

Rising Temperatures and Altered Rainfall Patterns

Coffee plants, particularly the Arabica variety, flourish within specific temperature ranges. As global temperatures rise, traditional coffee-growing regions are becoming less suitable, affecting bean quality and yield. Additionally, unpredictable rainfall patterns, including droughts and excessive rainfall, disrupt the growth cycle of coffee plants, further diminishing production. In major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam, severe droughts have led to poor harvests, contributing to increased coffee prices globally. ​

Increased Pest and Disease Infestations

Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create favourable conditions for pests and diseases that threaten coffee crops. For instance, the coffee leaf rust fungus and the coffee berry borer beetle have become more prevalent, causing significant damage to plantations and reducing overall yields. ​

Economic Implications and Rising Prices

The adverse effects of climate change on coffee production have led to supply shortages, resulting in higher prices for consumers. In February 2025, wholesale Arabica coffee prices in the United States reached a record high of $4.30 per pound, doubling from the previous year. Factors contributing to these price hikes include adverse weather conditions affecting major coffee producers, geopolitical tensions and shipping delays. ​

Adaptation Strategies and Innovations

In response to these challenges, coffee farmers and industry stakeholders are exploring various adaptation strategies. In Brazil, for example, some farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture practices, such as reducing chemical fertilisers and implementing biological alternatives, to enhance resilience against drought conditions. These methods have shown promise in maintaining productivity and reducing environmental impact. ​
Reuters

Additionally, the development of climate-resistant coffee species offers potential solutions. In South Sudan, the cultivation of excelsa coffee, a rare and resilient variety, is being explored as a means to withstand extreme conditions like drought and heat. However, scaling up production of such varieties faces challenges, including regional instability and limited market presence. ​

Conclusion

Climate change poses a formidable threat to global coffee production, impacting both supply and quality. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including the adoption of sustainable farming practices, investment in research for resilient coffee varieties and collaborative efforts across the supply chain to mitigate environmental impacts. Such initiatives are essential to ensure the sustainability of coffee cultivation and to maintain its availability for future generations.