top of page
Search

Coffee and the Environment: A Global Sip with Local Flavours

(Mahima, Insta: @19mahima)

 

We all enjoy coffee. We desire coffee like the sun after a sleepless night, grabbing for it before phones, emails, or even sunlight. It's more than simply a morning requirement; it's a warm, caffeinated hug sewn into the fabric of our existence. With each drink, coffee fuels our brains and bodies, ignites discussions, establishes relationships, and elevates our spirits. Coffee is our silent companion on our daily excursions, a warm hug that nourishes our brains, bodies, and souls. 


(Image credit: Mahima)


On the one hand, coffee feeds our lives in a variety of ways. It's the social lubricant that ignites discussions, the mood lifter that drives away the blues, and the silent companion on our everyday journeys. But this delectable elixir comes at a cost.


Before even understanding how coffee impacts our life Let’s first see how our everyday addiction reaches to our cups every morning.


They are found in tropical and subtropical locations all over the world, with Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ethiopia being the most prominent coffee-growing countries. Coffee plants grow and yield cherries in around 3-4 years. When cherries are mature, they are hand-picked and processed to remove the pulp and pits. There are two types of processing: wet and dry.




Wet processing entails fermenting and washing the cherries to remove the pulp, and dry processing entails sun-drying the cherries until the pulp shrivels and falls away. The beans are dried after processing to reduce moisture content to roughly 12%. The beans are then roasted to improve their flavour and perfume.


Coffee plantations are a major source of income for millions of people around the world.

Rank

Country

Production Share (%)

Economic Impact

1

Brazil

39.50%

Dominant Producer: Brazil is the world's coffee superpower, accounting for over 40% of worldwide output. This results in large export earnings, employment in the farming and processing industries, and a significant increase in the country's agricultural GDP.

2

Vietnam

18.50%

Rapidly Expanding Market: Coffee output in Vietnam has skyrocketed in recent decades. This has spurred economic growth, created jobs in rural regions, and strengthened its worldwide coffee market prominence.

3

Colombia

8.00%

Colombian coffee is famous for its excellent quality and distinct taste character. This commanding premium pricing benefits farmers while also contributing to a robust coffee-exporting industry.

4

Indonesia

6.50%

Domestic Consumption Leader: Because Indonesia consumes a large amount of its own coffee output, it is an important market for domestic brands and firms. Coffee cultivation also provides a living for many rural people.

5

Ethiopia

5.50%

Ethiopia has a lengthy coffee history and a wide range of coffee varieties. This draws visitors and specialty coffee roasters, enhancing tourism earnings and local income.

6

Honduras

4.50%

Economic Diversification: Coffee cultivation contributes significantly to the diversification of Honduras' economy by offering jobs and income possibilities in rural regions.

7

India

3.50%

Sustainable & Cultural: India's emphasis on sustainable coffee processes and rich coffee culture draws conscientious consumers while also supporting local communities. Coffee exports add to national revenue as well.

8

Uganda

3.00%

Small Farm Reliance: Small-scale farmers dominate Uganda's coffee production. Fairtrade policies and direct trade efforts benefit these farmers while also promoting rural development.

9

Guatemala

2.50%

Guatemalan coffee, noted for its diverse flavours and great quality, commands premium prices, helping growers and increasing the country's coffee export revenues.

10

Mexico

2.00%

Mexico consumes its own coffee production largely, supporting local companies and providing jobs in the coffee growing and processing industries.


Because coffee is such a popular and vital commodity, its production - which is largely done in underdeveloped nations - may have a significant impact on a country's economy. It can, more precisely, stimulate economic growth. They have, however, been chastised for their environmental impact. Concerns in coffee production include deforestation, water consumption, and chemical pollution(“Coffee Producing Countries 2023,” n.d.).

Deforestation for sun-grown coffee plantations, water use beyond a thirsty camel's dreams, and chemical pollution seeping into the soil like unwanted whispers - these are the harsh truths that sometimes lay behind the frothy surface of our morning cappuccino.


So, what about our first cup? It's a double-edged sword. It is an evident wake-up call, but it also bears the echoes of future environmental sleep. The good news is that we are not powerless. Conscious decisions are important. Supporting shade-grown coffee, purchasing organic beans, and reducing waste are all methods to prepare a more responsible cup.


Water is a valuable resource in coffee growing, and sustainable practices strive to decrease water waste by employing techniques such as drip irrigation and water recycling(Ltd, 2023). Indian coffee is gaining popularity for its emphasis on environmentally friendly procedures. Shade-grown coffee, which is grown under the canopy of trees, is a prevalent practice that promotes biodiversity and environmental protection. Organic agricultural practices are gaining popularity as well, delivering healthier products for consumers while minimising environmental damage.

Brazil, the uncontested king of coffee production, controls 39.5% of the worldwide market. Brazil is a pioneer in sustainable methods, in addition to sheer volume. Programmes such as the "Second Chance" programme promote reforestation and shade-grown coffee, while the "More Water, Less Land" project encourages smart water use(Moda et al., 2022).


Ethiopia, the origin of coffee, has a strong cultural attachment to the bean. Recognising this tradition, the government is aggressively pushing sustainable techniques such as shade-grown coffee and organic farming. Projects like the "Sustainable Coffee Initiative" help smallholder farmers and maintain biodiversity, whereas projects like the "Coffee Ecosystem Restoration Project" focus on reforestation and soil protection(“Ethiopian Farmers Triple Coffee Yields with Sustainable Tree Stumping,” n.d.).

Indonesia: The "Sustainable Coffee Platform of Indonesia" is working across the country to enhance coffee quality, farmer livelihoods, and environmental sustainability(“#Coffee4Future | Rikolto in Indonesia,” n.d.).


Beyond the countries and government what we as individuals can do for this:

  • Buying certified coffee: Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or USDA Organic to assure ethical and ecologically responsible sourcing.

  • Choosing a local roaster: Supporting local roasters who purchase directly from farmers will help assure traceability and promote sustainable practices.

  • Reuse and recycle coffee grounds and packaging materials to reduce waste.


Beyond its rich scent and energising impact, coffee is the lifeline of many mornings. As the world's most popular beverage, its path from bean to cup involves not just growers and baristas, but also the delicate balance between human needs and environmental well-being. This is where sustainability comes into play, with different coffee-producing countries developing diverse strategies to reduce their environmental imprint.


Take a minute the next time you have a cup of coffee to consider the path it travelled to get to your mug. Supporting sustainable coffee growing techniques can assist in guaranteeing that coffee production is beneficial to both people and the environment.


References 

91 views
bottom of page