People love coffee. However, producing it has become harder and more expensive. The main reason is climate change.
Extreme weather across coffee-growing regions has likely pushed prices upward. Moreover, rising temperatures have strained harvests in recent years.
A new analysis from Climate Central examined climate science data. It found that climate change added more harmful heat to coffee-growing regions between 2021 and 2025.
As a result, both the quality and quantity of harvests may have suffered. Globally, people consume about 2.2 billion cups of coffee daily. In the United States alone, at least two-thirds of adults drink coffee every day.
Harmful Heat Across Coffee Nations
The study examined 25 coffee-producing countries. Together, they account for about 97 percent of global coffee production. Notably, all of them experienced additional harmful heat due to climate change.
The five largest producers supply 75 percent of global coffee. These countries include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
On average, they faced 57 extra harmful heat days annually. Brazil alone experienced around 70 additional hot days each year.
Across all 25 nations, each country averaged 47 extra harmful heat days annually. These days would not have occurred without fossil fuel pollution.
Farmers Witness Climate Stress Firsthand
Akshay Dashrath, Co-Founder and Grower at South India Coffee Company, shared on-ground observations. He said climate change is measurable daily at Mooleh Manay farm.
Sensors record longer high daytime temperatures and warmer nights. Additionally, soil moisture now disappears faster than before.
He explained that soils dry quicker and plants struggle under heat stress. Biological soil activity has also become unstable.
Even when rainfall totals appear normal, patterns shift unpredictably. Consequently, water retention and nutrient absorption suffer.
Dashrath noted that coffee requires balance. It thrives on shade, moisture, and cool recovery periods.
As that balance shrinks, farms must adapt quickly. Therefore, growers focus on shade management, soil health, and water resilience.
Rising Temperatures, Erratic Rainfall
Sohan Shetty manages shaded organic coffee farms for Satyanarayana Plantations in the Western Ghats. He observed two major changes: rising temperatures and irregular rainfall.
Even shaded coffee now loses soil moisture faster. This stress causes blossoms to appear unpredictably.
As a result, some farmers pause harvesting. Parts of plants may blossom while others still bear fruit.
Shetty also reported fruit drying faster on plants due to higher heat.
A Growing Risk to Global Supply
The analysis shows consistent warming across coffee regions. Moreover, these temperature increases threaten long-term stability.
Since top producers face dozens of extra harmful heat days, supply pressure may intensify. Consequently, price volatility may continue.
Coffee depends on climatic balance. However, that balance continues to narrow.
