Caffeine Crazy

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "‘Heat Damages Colombian Coffee, Raising Prices." The author was Elisabeth Rosenthal. You can find the article here.)


The addiction to coffee is evident among Americans. In the fast-paced society Americans live in, grabbing some caffeine to ward off drowsiness is common. Places like Starbucks, O Henry's and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf  are popping up all over cities, and attract both young and old with frothy concoctions. The downfall to such coffee drinks is that they are not cheap. Recently, prices have been rising due to climate issues in Colombia. 

[Google]

Colombia is known for the Arabica coffee produced. Hearty flavor combined with smooth texture makes for one of the world's most known and most expensive coffees. Coffee yields have been suffering greatly due to rising temperatures and unpredictable rains. Coffee pests thrive in warmer climates and have been destroying the crop. 


Not only is this problem hurting Colombian coffee farmers, but also American coffee lovers. Prices in coffee shops have risen to an all time high.There is talk of the world hitting "peak coffee". Similar to the shortage of oil, the world is experiencing a type of coffee shortage. 


Rosenthal wrote, "The Specialty Coffee Association of America warned this year, “It is not too far-fetched to begin questioning the very existence of specialty coffee.”


Global warming plays a huge part in the extinction of Arabica coffee beans. A specialist in Agroclimatology at Cenicafé Néstor Riaño said, "Half a degree can make a big difference for coffee — it is adapted to a very specific zone." Cenicafé is the national coffee research center. 

[Google]

Action is now being taken to inform the farmers on how to rid their farms of the pests who destroy the coffee beans. There is also a newer, hardier strain of Arabica that has been developed as a hybrid. Farmers are taking these steps in order to safe their livelihoods.


Coffee drinkers around the world do not need to panic yet. According to this article, the proper steps are being taken to insure that coffee beans will be continue to be available. Colombian farmers are gaining knowledge about how to take care of their crops during weird weather patterns. I will continue to get my drink at Starbucks and keep a steady eye on the prices. Only time will tell whether or not if Arabica beans will become extinct. One can only hope that Colombians figure out a solution to keep Americans on caffeine highs.