Coffee could become a “luxury” in the UK if farmers abandon their crops due to climate change. Rising temperatures and increased humidity, combined with shifting market prices, are leading growing numbers of coffee producers in Peru to leave the trade. The country’s president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, has said he will push for an international deal on carbon emissions by 2020, but is also looking at ways to protect his country from rising temperatures. Poorer farmers are worst affected as they cannot afford to improve soil quality. Some farmers are already seeking higher and cooler areas to farm, raising fears of increased deforestation. Lower production could also see coffee prices rise.
Coffee could become a “luxury” in the UK if farmers abandon their crops due to climate change. Rising temperatures and increased humidity, combined with shifting market prices, are leading growing numbers of coffee producers in Peru to leave the trade. An estimated 50% of land currently used to grow coffee beans could become unsuitable for use by 2050, according to some scientists. Poorer farmers are worst affected as they cannot afford to improve soil quality. Some farmers are already seeking higher and cooler areas to farm, raising fears of increased deforestation. Lower production could also see coffee prices rise.