As climate change wreaks havoc on the environment, food production is suffering, and farming is becoming more difficult. These 10 foods could soon disappear because of climate change, along with the pleasurable experiences that we associate with them.
1. Coffee
Many of us start the day with a cup of coffee, and then proceed to consume an abundant number of cups thereafter. There’s nothing like a cup of coffee to break up a tough day at work… However, experts estimate that by the year 2100, more than 50 percent of the land used to grow coffee will no longer be arable. Goodbye, coping mechanism…
2. Avocados
Hipsters across the globe are completely shattered; their hearts sinking into despair at the thought of going without their avocado and feta smash on toast. According to an article by Business Insider, avocados are a very weather-sensitive fruit. As climate change continues to mess with weather patterns, avocado crops are sure to be among the first ones to be affected.
3. Maple Syrup
There is nothing that screams ‘comfort food’ more than pile of pancakes drowning in butter and maple syrup. Unfortunately, a recent study suggests that maple trees would struggle to negotiate drastic changes in climate. Pancake Sundays may soon be a distant memory.
4. Rice
Rice is a staple for many global citizens. In fact, in some cultures, the words for ‘food’ and ‘rice’ are virtually interchangeable. Sadly, rice crops are also set to suffer if climate change continues, having a massive impact on communities around the world, especially the poorest ones.
5. Beer
According to several sources, increasing temperatures are having an adverse effect on hops production, one of the key ingredients in beer. So, get ready to the possibility to forget about that nice cold beer on a balmy, spring day.
6. Wine Grapes
While we’re on the subject of alcoholic beverages, wine production is also set to decline as a result of climate change. According to one study, winegrowers will need to significantly change their practices otherwise fall victim to changing weather patterns. That cabernet sauvignon you’re preserving for your son or daughter’s wedding day; it’ll be worth its weight in gold in the future.
7. Lobsters
We normally associate lobster with luxury, special occasions, and nonchalantly ordering it at an expensive restaurant when your in-laws offer to pay for dinner. But as oceans continue to warm, these acts of mischief will most certainly be out of the question (if they aren’t already). According to one study, as reported on by the Guardian, baby lobsters will not be able to survive in the water temperatures predicted for the year 2100, if climate change progresses according to models.
8. Chocolate
The adult pacifier is also on the chopping block. Interestingly, according to an article by Business Insider, Mars (one of the largest producers of confectionery) has hired a small team of meteorologists ‘to study the impact of changing weather patterns and attempt to reduce damage.’ The main issue is rising temperatures and dwindling water supplies in countries that produce cacao beans, such as Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
9. Oysters
This costly food item, enjoyed by many, is set to be another casualty of climate change. While warmer waters encourage oyster growth, it also makes them more susceptible to oyster drills, a type of predatory snail.
10. PB & J
In the old days, a school lunchbox was often endowed with a PB & J sandwich. That was until peanut allergies became more common. In fact, studies show that instances of the allergy continue to rise. Therefore, due diligence and consideration for others is needed. However, if you do enjoy a naughty PB & J sandwich in the isolation of your own home, peanuts, and the fruits that make up our favorite jams and jellies, such as stone fruits and strawberries, are all headed for reduced production because of climate change.
Can We Do More?
While this article has been seeded with humor, the loss of the foods above is, of course, a serious matter. However, we can ask ourselves, isn’t the pleasurable and nostalgic events, experiences and memories that we associate with these foods that we will miss above all?
Indeed, you won’t know what you’ve got, until it’s gone.