Accelerating climate change – Is the coffee belt getting worse?

Coffee belt is a popular term used to refer to ideal coffee growing regions around the world. It lies along the equator (from 25 degrees north to 30 degrees south of the equator), right between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Capricorn. Based on the map, you can see this area as a ring with an area spanning the entire rotation of the earth.

Among them, there are more than 40 outstanding countries in the international market such as Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States (California), Hawaii, Puerto Rico), Venezuela, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic , Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Trinidad, Tobago, Togo, Uganda, Yemen, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Symbolized as the coffee belt, this area possesses unique climatic conditions and soil, favorable for the potential sublimation of coffee trees. It includes a tropical climate, high-quality soil, healthy temperatures, abundant rainfall, no frost, sufficient shade density to protect from harsh sunlight, and few pests. For example, coffee growing areas in Ethiopia and Colombia often have altitudes of more than 1800m above sea level, so the products have high quality and diverse flavors. Coffee in the growing regions of Guatemala, Papa New Guinea and Peru continuously wins international awards thanks to its volcanic soil and microclimate. In addition, some regions with low altitudes but with special soil also create unique types of coffee. For example, a coffee grown at 850m above sea level won the championship at Brazil's 2020 Cup Of Excellence.

Based on actual information about the production situation in coffee growing areas in the past half decade, climate change is directly affecting these areas. Being a sensitive region, even small changes in temperature and rainfall can significantly affect coffee production. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are changing coffee growing conditions. Harsh weather makes trees more vulnerable. Diseases and destructive pests such as rust, coffee stem borers, and beetles multiply and spread rapidly and become increasingly difficult to control when the weather changes erratically. Coffee farmers are increasingly finding it difficult to grow coffee, leading to reduced productivity and increased production costs.

Although scientists are working hard to research more disease- and pest-resistant varieties, it is undeniable that climate change poses a serious threat to coffee growing. Climate scientists also warn that 50% of land suitable for growing coffee in the current coffee belt will be "wiped out" within the next 30 years. This not only threatens the livelihoods of coffee growers, but also threatens the quality and availability of coffee to consumers.

According to experts, minimizing the impact of climate change on the coffee belt is an issue that requires cooperation from the entire industry. In particular, coffee brands or businesses have a responsible and important role because they are the agents connecting farmers and consumers. Coffee brands can support coffee producers in adopting farming methods that limit environmental impact; Invest in infrastructure projects and research new varieties to increase efficiency and ensure production sustainability. In addition, they can cooperate with farms, improving farmers' skills in responding to the impacts of climate change.

As a coffee brand, XLIII Coffee always strives to operate and support farmers towards sustainable goals. We select production partners according to organic and agroforestry standards. Partner with them through direct trade and always pay the same price or higher than the manufacturer's suggested price to ensure they have enough profit to innovate and continue to transform and develop the farm fully. face. We always maintain long-term relationships with partners with the desire to build resilience and adapt to unusual changes in nature. We also focus on investing in infrastructure and transportation. Processing methods limit environmental impact while maintaining quality, to easily convey the good values of sustainable coffee to the wider community. If you want to experience it, visit XLIII Coffee and enjoy specialty coffee beans.

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