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World’s favourite drink
Every day, people around the world drink more than 2 billion cups of coffee. But experts warn that this popular drink could be in danger.
Coffee farms in countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Ethiopia are facing big problems because of climate change, deforestation, and plant diseases. If these problems continue, coffee could become more expensive and harder to find.
This also threatens the lives of about 25 million farmers who depend on coffee to earn money.
How does coffee grow?
Coffee grows only in a special [[tropical::Related to the hot and humid regions near the equator where the weather stays warm all year.]] area called the Coffee Belt. This belt goes around the Earth between 25° north and 25° south of the equator. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia lie in this belt.
There are two main kinds of coffee beans - Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica makes up about 60% of the world’s coffee. It grows in cooler places between 15°C and 24°C and has a smooth taste. Robusta grows in warmer areas between 24°C and 30°C, is easier to grow, and has a stronger, more bitter flavour.
What is the problems?
Coffee plants are very [[delicate::Easily harmed or damaged; needing careful handling or special care.]]. Even a small rise in temperature or a change in rainfall can harm them.
Since 1985, coffee-growing areas have become almost 2°C hotter, with less rain and drier soil. In Brazil, some coffee regions have seen rainfall drop by half, while Vietnam’s coffee harvest fell by 20% in 2023–24 because of drought.
Even Ethiopia, where Arabica coffee first grew, could lose up to 60% of its coffee-growing land by 2050.
To grow more coffee, some farmers are cutting down forests. But forests help bring rain. Without trees, there is less moisture in the air, and that reduces rainfall. This makes coffee farming even harder.
Scientists call this the deforestation [[paradox::Something that seems to go against itself but might still be true.]]: cutting forests to grow more coffee ends up harming coffee production even more.
Another big issue is a fungus called coffee leaf rust, which damages coffee leaves.
In [[Central America::The region between North and South America that includes countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica.]], it destroyed up to 85% of coffee in some areas, causing farmers to lose a lot of money.
Moreover, as production drops, coffee prices have [[skyrocketed::Rose or increased very quickly and suddenly.]], reaching their highest level in nearly 50 years.
Can coffee be saved?
Farmers and scientists are finding ways to protect coffee.
One method is shade-grown coffee, where coffee plants grow under trees. This keeps the soil cooler, saves water, and supports birds and insects.
Farmers are also using organic methods, planting different crops together, and developing coffee plants that can survive higher temperatures.
More than just a drink
Coffee is not just a drink; it’s a source of income for millions of farmers, and a part of daily life for people around the world.
To save coffee for the future, we need to protect forests and support farmers.
The choices we make today will decide the future of this beloved beverage.
Quick revision
Coffee farms in Brazil, Vietnam, and Ethiopia are struggling because of rising heat, less rain, and plant diseases.
Since 1985, coffee regions have become about 2°C hotter and receive less rain. Moreover, a fungus called coffee leaf rust has destroyed up to 85% of crops in some areas.
Farmers are now using shade-grown methods and stronger coffee plants to save the world’s favourite drink.
