Climate Matters: Costly coffee in a changing climate

Almost three in four Americans drink a cup of coffee every morning but this popular pick-me-up could be getting more expensive. The global appeal of coffee makes it susceptible to worldwide changes in supply and demand and weather also plays a large role in how coffee is grown and transported.

Coffee is grown in the "coffee belt" in the tropics near the equator. Different coffee beans can thrive in varying conditions; the popular Arabica grown in Brazil needs high altitudes with rich soils while hardier Robusta plants can grow in hotter conditions at lower elevations. When the climate in the tropics is disrupted this can have global impacts on price and availability.

Recently coffee has reached its highest price in over a decade according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). The ICO reported last month that average coffee prices per pound were up to $2.37, the highest in 13 years. This figure is typically closer to $1.50.

Local coffee shops have noticed these changes, but Kaya, Manager at Fretboard Coffee, says they have not raised their prices in several years. While they have considered it, Kaya says buying wholesale helps ease some burdens. "I also had a tough time with getting peaches for a syrup I wanted to use this season" she says as drought has plagued growing regions.

Increasing disasters and drought in a changing climate could continue to drive up the price of coffee along with increased demand. The global appetite for coffee is also expected to keep growing putting more strain on sensitive growing regions in the tropics.