American coffee consumption is at an all-time high. And the choices seem limitless — from regular drip, to lattes and double shots over ice, to French press. But the options we enjoy may be threatened by climate change and deforestation.
Warming temperatures are creating complications for growing some varieties of coffee plants. Meanwhile, deforestation and increasing severity of coffee pests and diseases also threaten the plants.
While consumption is up, the price of unroasted coffee on the commodities market has remained flat for decades. What does that mean for the future of coffee producers? Are they getting a fair wage?
On Cincinnati Edition, let's dive into coffee, your favorite variety, how to better enjoy the experience and how to make the market better for producers. Plus, what's the future hold for a bean threatened by climate change and deforestation?
Guests:
- Tony Tausch, co-owner, Coffee Emporium
- Eileen Schwab, co-owner, Coffee Emporium
- Megan Philpott, Ph.D., conservation scientist, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW)
Ways to listen to this show:
- Tune in live at noon ET M-F. Call 513-419-7100 or email talk@wvxu.org to have your voice heard on today’s topic.
- Catch the replay on 91.7 WVXU and 88.5 WMUB at 8 p.m. ET M-F.
- Listen on-demand. Audio for this segment will be uploaded to this page by 4 p.m. ET., or subscribe to our podcast.