Easter Egg Prices Surge Due to Climate Change Impact on Crops
The rising cost of chocolate Easter eggs this year can be attributed significantly to climate change, as per researchers’ findings. Cocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate, predominantly originates from West Africa. However, a recent humid heatwave has ravaged cocoa crops, leading to a drastic reduction in yields. Experts indicate that human-induced climate change has escalated the likelihood of such extreme heat events by tenfold.
The consumer advocacy group Which? discovered that prices of some popular Easter eggs have surged by more than 50%. This surge in prices is directly linked to a cocoa shortage caused by the heatwave, driving cocoa prices to nearly $8,500 (£6,700) per tonne.
Cocoa trees are highly susceptible to climate fluctuations, thriving within a narrow band around the Equator. With most production concentrated in West Africa, countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana are crucial suppliers. However, severe drought conditions since February have severely impacted the region, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, breaking historical records.
Researchers from the World Weather Attribution group, based at Imperial College London, have linked these exceptionally high temperatures to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. They warn that without significant reductions in fossil fuel usage, West Africa could face such heatwaves every two years.
According to Izadine Pinto, a researcher at the University of Cape Town, the heat accelerated evaporation rates, depriving cocoa crops of essential moisture. Moreover, the recurring weather phenomenon El Niño exacerbated the situation. El Niño, characterized by warming of Pacific Ocean temperatures, can lead to extreme weather events globally. Ben Clarke, an expert on extreme weather, emphasized that while El Niño exacerbates natural challenges, climate change amplifies these effects.
In addition to drought, West African cocoa growers faced intense rains in December, leading to a surge in black pod disease, further damaging cocoa crops. Consequently, cocoa prices have tripled since last year and doubled in the past three months.
Chocolate manufacturers, feeling the brunt of these price hikes, have begun announcing increases. Martin Hug from Lindt & Spruengli acknowledged their participation in this trend. Mondelez and Hershey also warned of rising cocoa prices affecting chocolate costs.
Ultimately, the burden of these price fluctuations falls heavily on smallholder farmers in West Africa, who rely on cocoa for their livelihoods. Amber Sawyer from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit stressed the need for wealthy countries like the UK to provide support to these farmers in coping with extreme weather events. However, she cautioned that as climate change intensifies, increased support will be necessary to safeguard livelihoods and maintain a steady supply of cocoa beans.
