Chapter 1: The Coffee Farm Journey

As we trek up the hill to visit Hector’s coffee nursery, the contrast from the blazing tropical sun to the cool shade of his coffee farm is striking. Lush ferns and moss drape the trees, while a gentle stream flows alongside our path. Upon reaching a sunny clearing, Hector points out a landslide caused by heavy rains from a neighboring property, which has eroded his shade trees and swept away several coffee plants. We proceed to the nursery, where rows of vibrant green coffee plants grow in black plastic bags. Hector shows me a leaf that bears the telltale orange splotch of coffee rust—royal, which has left him disheartened since this variety was meant to be resistant, yet it has succumbed.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Climate Change

My concern for Hector and other coffee farmers in Honduras is heightened as climate change complicates their ability to cultivate coffee, threatening their families' livelihoods. The grim future they face is already here.

In the United States, much of the coffee consumed is either Coffea arabica or a blend with Coffea canephora (robusta). Arabica coffee is highly prized for its quality, while robusta, with its higher caffeine content and bitter taste, is more resilient to disease and pests. Arabica farmers often grow their crops at higher altitudes to benefit from cooler temperatures that shield them from pests and foster richer flavors.

In the mountainous regions of Comayagua, Honduras, arabica coffee thrives at elevations between 1,000 and 1,700 meters. During my Peace Corps service from 1993 to 1996, I assisted in the establishment of a national park near Comayagua, which features a cloud forest that captures rainwater and fog, replenishing aquifers that supply seven rivers vital for drinking water and agriculture.

Without this cloud forest, heavy rains can lead to rapid runoff, resulting in floods that devastate the area. Climate change has intensified rainfall patterns, especially during the wet season, sometimes leading to catastrophic hurricanes, as witnessed in November 2020, which triggered deadly landslides that claimed lives, including a family involved in an organic coffee cooperative.

Section 2.1: Unpredictability in Weather Patterns

The unpredictability of climate change means that farmers face increasingly erratic weather conditions. Heavy rains during the blooming season can destroy blossoms before they can develop into fruit. Similarly, rain and wind during harvest can cause ripe coffee cherries to drop and rot. I have witnessed the aftermath of storms, where the air was thick with the unpleasant odor of decaying coffee.

Additionally, warmer temperatures can lead to off-season flowering, complicating harvesting and reducing efficiency. Climate change has resulted in longer dry spells, often following intense rainfall, which exacerbates the situation for farmers who rely on consistent weather patterns.

Chapter 3: The Impact of Drought and Disease

Drought conditions shrink the size of coffee cherries and beans, which can critically impact farmers operating on thin margins. Smaller beans require more labor to harvest, and drought-affected coffee often suffers in quality, leading to higher rejection rates and diminished income.

Warmer temperatures have also facilitated the spread of the coffee berry borer, an insect that infests coffee fruit. Previously limited by cooler mountain climates, this pest can now thrive unchecked, producing multiple generations in a single season. Likewise, coffee rust—a fungus that flourishes in warm conditions—continues to devastate crops, forcing farmers to replant with resistant varieties that may take years to yield income.

Section 3.1: The Dilemma of Shade Trees

In an effort to combat coffee rust, some farmers have opted to remove shade trees to improve air circulation and dry out leaves. However, this decision has backfired, as the lack of shade leads to warmer microclimates that further facilitate the spread of disease and exacerbate drought and flooding impacts.

Organic shade-grown coffee presents a potential solution, providing a buffer against climate change effects. Shade trees mimic the cloud forest's ability to retain moisture, mitigate flooding, and create a cooler environment that hinders the proliferation of pests and diseases. Moreover, diverse plantings encourage predatory insects that help control pests, while fallen leaves enrich the soil and suppress weeds.

Chapter 4: A Glimpse into the Future

During my Peace Corps tenure, I collaborated with coffee farming communities to safeguard their forests, which are crucial for their water supply. I envision a future that intertwines agricultural and ecotourism, allowing visitors to experience the cloud forest and connect with local farmers. Despite the beauty and joy of these farms, Honduras faces obstacles such as political corruption and violence, which hinder tourism.

Since 2005, I've supported a local non-profit in Wisconsin that promotes organic coffee from my friends on the Comayagua mountain. Each visit reveals the ongoing impact of climate change. Areas once too cold for coffee are now prime growing regions, leading to the further encroachment of coffee cultivation into cloud forests, perpetuating a damaging cycle.

The phone calls I dread each November and December often bring news of poor harvests due to adverse weather conditions. Climate change has made each growing season increasingly uncertain, with the threat of droughts or floods looming large.

Chapter 5: The Intersectionality of Climate Change

The rising global demand for coffee has prompted farmers worldwide to increase production and innovate to reduce costs. However, the mechanization prevalent in Brazil has driven down prices, adversely affecting Honduran farmers unable to mechanize due to terrain and climate challenges.

The persistent low prices and harsh climate conditions have weakened Honduras's economy for over two decades, fostering migration from rural areas to cities and ultimately to the United States. Many of these migrants can be viewed, at least in part, as climate refugees.

Despite a recent spike in coffee prices due to climate-induced supply issues, many farmers still struggle with the repercussions of past crop failures. To truly understand the challenges faced by coffee farmers, we must consider the complex interplay of extreme weather, pests, diseases, and socio-economic instability.

This video discusses the ideal temperature for drinking coffee, which can enhance your coffee experience and understanding of this beloved beverage.

In this engaging video, James Hoffmann explores the contrasts between hot and cold coffee, providing insights into the brewing process and flavor profiles.