Ethiopian coffee industry could grow under climate change

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-10-24 05:00

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While climate change is set to hit farming communities hard worldwide, one of the world's biggest coffee producers could see the industry expand as the climate changes.  An Ethiopian researcher has modelled how climate change is likely to impact the Ethiopian coffee industry, which is currently the livelihood for one in five people in the country. Looking at the next 60 years with two different climate change models, the researcher says the total growing area suitable for coffee is likely to grow by between 30-45%. They say while some current growing areas will become unsuitable, large areas of the highlands will see conditions improve for coffee growth. The researcher says this model doesn't account for potential flow-on effects such as pests and disease, however, the industry behind our favourite morning brew could survive in the country if they prepare properly for what's to come.