HOT BEVERAGES
The hidden
threat of climate change on your coffee cup
intricately tied to environmental conditions, with water playing a pivotal role in determining the quality of the final product. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic, the subtle nuances that define high-quality coffee are under threat. Anastasia Chovan, certified water sommelier at Vivreau explains Several factors influence coffee quality, such as the quality of the
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coffee bean itself, water quality, and brewing method. The quality of coffee beans is deeply connected to the growing conditions of coffee plants, particularly the availability and quality of water. In some countries, like Nicaragua, coffee production faces unprecedented challenges. Due to increased occurrences of extreme weather events, more than 90% of Nicaragua’s coffee-growing regions are expected to face less favourable conditions for coffee production. Water stress, exacerbated by climate change, leads to a cascade
of effects on coffee quality. Insufficient water supply can result in smaller beans with lower density, altering the flavour profile of the coffee. The ideal balance of sourness, bitterness, and sweetness becomes harder to achieve as the plants struggle to adapt to their changing environment. Additionally, the increased frequency of heatwaves and droughts means coffee-growing regions are often left with inadequate water resources to sustain healthy plant growth. The impact of climate change on water resources extends beyond
the fields. It also affects the post-harvest processes that are critical to defining coffee quality. Water is essential in the processing of coffee beans, such as during the washing stage, where beans are soaked to remove their outer layers. Declining water availability can compromise these processes, leading to inconsistencies in the final product. As we look towards the future, the coffee industry faces the daunting task of adapting to these environmental changes. Farmers are exploring innovative solutions, such as developing drought- resistant coffee varieties and implementing water-conservation techniques. However, these measures require significant investment and knowledge transfer, which may not be readily accessible to all coffee-producing regions.
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s climate change continues to reshape our world, its impact on one of our most cherished beverages—coffee—is becoming increasingly evident. Coffee’s journey from seed to cup is
To help protect coffee, everyone should consider how their actions—both conscious and unconscious—contribute to CO2 emissions, climate change, and rising temperatures. Some effective strategies to fight climate change include eliminating plastic bottles in favour of filtered water solutions, and extending the lifespan of machines, equipment, and products through proper maintenance and reusable alternatives.
Understanding the connection between climate change, water, and coffee quality is crucial. By supporting sustainable coffee practices and advocating for climate action, we can contribute to the preservation of coffee’s rich heritage. Simple actions, such as reducing personal carbon footprints and supporting ethical coffee brands, can collectively make a difference. Climate change poses a formidable challenge to the future of
coffee, with water at the heart of this struggle. The sensory attributes that define high-quality coffee are being altered by changing environmental conditions, particularly in vulnerable regions. As temperatures rise and water stress intensifies, the coffee we know and love is at risk. Embracing sustainable practices and raising awareness about these issues are essential steps in safeguarding the future of coffee for generations to come.
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