The chocolate industry is facing a growing crisis, with the climate emergency impacting prices and production. West Africa, responsible for about 70 percent of the world’s cacao production, is experiencing rising temperatures and unusual weather patterns, making it harder for farmers to grow cacao. With lower harvests, researchers warn that the chocolate prices could climb even further.
Farmers in the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria are dealing with hotter temperatures, diseases, and unpredictable rainfall. Over the past decade, these areas have seen temperatures increase above 32 degrees Celsius during cacao’s growing season, especially in the regions of Ivory Coast and Ghana. This surge in heat, caused by climate change, has negatively affected the quality and quantity of cacao beans.
In addition to the heat, cacao farmers face challenges such as pests, smuggling, and illegal mining, contributing to lower production. These problems have caused the price of cacao to rise sharply. By late 2023, cocoa prices on the New York market hit over $10,000 per ton, much higher than the usual $2,000 to $3,000 per ton.
Research has shown that extreme weather, including droughts and unpredictable rainfall, is becoming more common, harming the livelihoods of farmers in some of the poorest regions. If these trends continue, not only will chocolate become more expensive, but the future of cacao farming itself could be at risk.
Experts have called for action to reduce emissions and protect the environment to save cacao and ensure a sustainable future for the planet’s chocolate supply.