NBC News recently published an article claiming that climate change is adversely affecting production, thereby driving up coffee prices, titled “Your daily cup of coffee may become more expensive due to climate change”.” [emphasis, links added]
Production data proves this statement to be patently wrong.
NBC News wrote:
Prices for high-quality Arabica coffee beans, which can be found in most restaurants and stores, have surged this month, recently jumping to $3.50 a pound.
…
Today, experts say, climate change is to blame.
“We're seeing severe droughts in some of the world's major coffee-growing regions, such as Brazil, the world's largest coffee exporter,” said David Ortega, a professor of food economics and policy at Michigan State University.
…
“We're going to see these types of [climate] Future events will only become more frequent. Therefore, we must start taking this issue seriously and invest in agricultural research and development to be able to mitigate and respond to the impacts of climate change on our agricultural production and agricultural systems,” Ortega said.
“One of the impacts is higher costs, which translate into higher prices for consumers,” he added.
The NBC article attributed the recent rise in coffee prices to climate change by pointing to specific weather events. This approach mistakenly conflates short-term weather phenomena with long-term climate patterns.
As discussed in Climate Overview, weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate represents long-term averages and trends.
Attributing isolated weather events directly to climate change without considering broader climate data is misleading and scientifically unsoundEspecially when long-term weather trends show no deterioration in conditions in coffee-growing areas.
NBC’s report also ignores a wealth of data showing Global coffee production has increased significantly over the past four decadesa fact is climate realism He has made many speeches emphasizing the fact that Despite concerns about climate change, coffee production has remained resilient and even thriving.
Repeated analyzes show that both coffee and cocoa have repeatedly set production records during the recent mild warming, contradicting claims that climate change is driving up prices.
For example, Global coffee production has grown significantly over the past 40 yearsAccording to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Production in countries such as Vietnam increased by more than 1,500% between 1992 and 2022.
Vietnam is not alone. Nearly every coffee-growing region has experienced significant growth, As shown below:
This upward trend highlights Coffee growing practices remain adaptable and resilient even in the face of progressive global warming.
NBC's portrayal of climate change as the main driver of rising coffee prices reflects the media's tendency to blame climate change for almost everything bad.
NBC incorrectly summarized short-term weather events and long-term climate trends and, more importantly, ignored the fact that coffee production has increased significantly in recent decades, often setting production records.
Instead of looking at actual data, NBC News relied on “expert opinion” without any basis in fact. This hasty reporting lacks due diligence and fails to fully understand the factors affecting coffee prices, including economic dynamics and agricultural practices.
NBC News completely fails to consider these data and variables, instead resorting to a tired and false climate disaster narrative.
Popular photo on Unsplash by Tim Mossholder
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