Story perspectives

Climate Crisis Fuels Cocoa Price Surge, Threatens Farmers

2/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Climate change is drastically affecting cocoa production in West Africa, home to 70% of global cocoa.
Cocoa prices rose 136% from July 2022 to February 2023, driven by extreme heat and erratic rainfall.
Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire saw an average of 40 extra days of heat above 90°F in the last decade.
Many cocoa farmers earn less than $1 per day, facing heightened risks from extreme temperatures.
Breeding heat-resistant plants could aid adaptation, but significant challenges persist.

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Story summary

Climate change is drastically affecting cocoa production in West Africa, home to 70% of global cocoa.
Cocoa prices rose 136% from July 2022 to February 2023, driven by extreme heat and erratic rainfall.
Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire saw an average of 40 extra days of heat above 90°F in the last decade.
Many cocoa farmers earn less than $1 per day, facing heightened risks from extreme temperatures.
Breeding heat-resistant plants could aid adaptation, but significant challenges persist.