Easter, a time for family gatherings, vibrant decorations, and of course, the irresistible allure of chocolate eggs.
However, this year's festivities might come with a slightly bitter taste.
A recent surge in cocoa bean prices threatens to disrupt chocolate production and potentially inflate the cost of those iconic Easter treats.
While a price increase might seem like a minor inconvenience for consumers, the issue at hand is far more complex. It's a stark reminder of the impact climate change has on global supply chains and the livelihoods of millions who depend on them.
Climate Change Wreaks Havoc on Cocoa Crops
The culprit behind the rising cocoa prices lies in the delicate dance between weather patterns and cocoa production. Cocoa trees thrive in specific tropical climates with consistent temperatures and rainfall. In the UK, we tend to source most of our coca from farmers in West Africa.
Unfortunately, the changing global climate has thrown the delicate balance between heat and humidity in this region into chaos. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are causing significant stress on cocoa crops.
West Africa, particularly Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, are the world's leading producers of cocoa beans. These regions have witnessed increasingly frequent droughts and heatwaves in recent years. These extreme weather events directly impact cocoa yields, leading to crop failure and a decrease in the overall production of cocoa beans.
A report by the World Weather Attribution initiative - made up of scientists from across Europe, the USA and Africa, highlights the connection between climate change and the recent heatwave in West Africa which is impact cocoa production.
Their analysis not only highlighted how the likelihood of such humid heatwaves occurring and in different times of the year has increased 10 fold, but their data also showed that while global temperatures have risen 1.5C, in West Africa, localised temperatures were 4C higher in places.
A domino effect - From Crop Failure to Lost Livelihoods
The decline in cocoa production has a domino effect throughout the supply chain. With fewer beans available, the competition for them intensifies, leading to a rise in cocoa bean prices. This puts immense pressure on chocolate manufacturers, who face the difficult decision of absorbing the additional cost or passing it on to consumers.
For cocoa farmers in West Africa, the situation is equally concerning. Many of these farmers are small-scale producers, relying on the income generated from cocoa beans for their livelihoods. A decrease in yield translates to a decrease in income, pushing these families towards economic hardship.
Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of weather patterns creates immense uncertainty for farmers. Investing in resources to improve crop yields becomes a risky gamble due to the constant threat of extreme weather events. This discouragement from investing in their farms can further exacerbate the problem and create a negative spiral in the long run.
The Long-Term Impact: A Shaky Supply Chain and an Uncertain Future
The rising cocoa prices raise serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of the chocolate industry. Consumers might be willing to pay a premium for ethical and sustainable chocolate, but constant price fluctuations create instability within the market. This instability ultimately discourages both consumers and businesses from investing in the long-term viability of the cocoa industry.
Additionally, the reliance on specific geographical regions for cocoa production makes the supply chain vulnerable to climate change. If these regions continue to experience unpredictable weather patterns, it could lead to shortages and disrupt the global cocoa supply in a more significant way.
Switch2Zero's Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At Switch2Zero, we believe in celebrating Easter in a way that is mindful of the environment and the people who make it possible.
We encourage you to explore sustainable and ethical options when choosing your Easter treats. Look for chocolate brands that are transparent about their sourcing practices and actively contribute to building a more sustainable future for cocoa production.
By making conscious choices and supporting responsible businesses, we can all play a role in mitigating the impact of climate change on the cocoa industry and ensuring a brighter future for both chocolate lovers and cocoa farmers.
Of course the other way we can all help is to do more ourselves - whether individuals or businesses - to reduce our carbon footprint, and with it the greenhouse gases we are responsible for emitting.
We have a wealth of ideas and tips in our Resources section designed to offer up little solutions we can all do, that collectively help reduce our impact on the environment - and with it the changing climate.
Members can also choose to offset some of their own emissions - which while only a transitory step towards net zero, do help reduce global emissions by supporting others to take action to reduce their own.
