What challenges do coffee producers face with climate variability?

The challenge that coffee producers face with climate variability primarily revolves around unpredictable weather patterns, which can significantly impact their ability to grow coffee. Changes in temperature, rainfall, and the occurrence of extreme weather events can lead to crop failures or reduced yields. For instance, unexpected frosts or prolonged droughts can devastate coffee plants, which are very sensitive to climate conditions. This variability not only affects the quality and quantity of coffee produced but can also disrupt the entire supply chain, leading to economic instability for farmers who rely on consistent and predictable weather patterns for their livelihoods.

In contrast, increased interest from consumers, expansion of coffee demand in emerging markets, and access to new technologies for farming are generally positive factors that can enhance the coffee industry rather than directly posing challenges related to climate variability. They do not address the inherent vulnerabilities that producers experience due to changing climate conditions.