Avocado shortage warning: Climate change threatens beloved superfood’s future
Avocado lovers beware – a shortage of your favorite superfood may be on the horizon due to the devastating impact of climate change on avocado farming. Avocados, known for their high fiber and healthy fats, require a significant amount of water to thrive, making them particularly vulnerable to the challenges posed by a hotter, drier, and more drought-prone world.
A recent report by Christian Aid has shed light on the dire situation facing avocado farmers in top-producing nations such as Burundi, Chile, Peru, Spain, South Africa, and Mexico. Erratic weather patterns caused by climate change are leading to a downturn in crop yields, with potential declines in optimal growing areas ranging from 14% to a staggering 41% by 2050.
Even if global emissions are curtailed to keep the rise in global average temperature below 2°C, Mexico, the world’s leading avocado supplier, could still face a reduction of up to 31% in suitable cultivation zones by mid-century. The situation could worsen further with a possible 43% decrease if temperatures continue to rise.
Avocado farmers like Jolis Bigirimana from Burundi are already feeling the impact of climate change, with hot temperatures, heavy rain, and erosion affecting productivity and income. The cost of watering crops is increasing, as it takes an average of 320 liters of water to produce just one avocado. These rising costs are likely to be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for avocados and avocado-based products.
Dr. Chloe Sutcliffe, a research fellow in sustainable horticulture, warns that the UK’s reliance on avocados from water-scarce regions like Peru and Chile could exacerbate water scarcity issues for smallholder farmers. As public concern grows, with 63% of the British public wanting the government to do more to reduce the impact of climate change on the food supply chain, urgent action is needed.
Christian Aid is calling on governments to commit to urgent emissions reductions, accelerate the energy transition, and provide more climate aid to developing nations. Financial support for vulnerable agricultural communities that rely on avocado growing for their livelihoods is crucial to help them invest in mitigation measures.
It’s clear that a multipronged solution is needed to address the challenges facing avocado farming. Embracing different cultivation systems, reducing deforestation and monoculture production, and addressing the root causes of climate change are all essential steps. As we face a future with potentially fewer avocados, it’s vital that we take action now to protect this beloved superfood and the communities that depend on it.