#flirtingwithdisaster on Valentine's Day

#flirtingwithdisaster on Valentine’s Day

#flirtingwithdisaster on Valentine’s Day

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The onset of climate chaos and the extreme weather patterns it brings, is rapidly shaping the planet. In a globalized world, no sector is left unaffected by new weather patterns and extreme weather. Even the everyday pleasures we enjoy each Valentine’s Day, from chocolate to flowers, are threatened.

Chocolate

  • A two degree Celsius rise could result in a 40-70 percent loss in cocoa production in many regions.
  • Cocoa prices have increased 60 percent since 2012 due to major climate changes in West Africa.
  • By 2020, a potential global cocoa shortage is likely due to the deterioration of arable land.

Coffee

  • Global warming and droughts threaten to eliminate 65-100 percent of land suitable for growing coffee in Africa. 
  • Increasing temperatures have exposed coffee plants to devastating fungi that threaten production.
  • In February 2014, Brazilian coffee prices rose 70 percent, driven by droughts.

Cotton + Teddy Bears

  • Predicted temperature increases could reduce cotton production by as much as 80 percent.
  • 90 percent of cotton farmers live in countries that lack the infrastructure and preparedness to respond to the threat of climate change.

Wine

  • California is expected to lose nearly 70 percent of its arable land suited for wine grapes. 
  • By 2050, many of the world’s most prominent wine regions (including Bordeaux, France) may be unsuitable for wine production.

Flowers

Strawberries

  • The use of insecticides and pesticides can increase soil acidity to as low as 4.1, preventing strawberry plants from producing fruit. 

Silk

Sugar

  • Hot temperatures and dry soil reduced Indonesian sugar cane by 30 percent in 2011

Stationary/paper

Cheese

  • Farmers from Vermont to France fear that weather changes are affecting the taste of their cheese
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