Climate scientists say that the booming cocoa industry in Ivory Coast and Ghana will be threatened by climate change.
A report released by Colombia-based International Center for Tropical Agriculture says the expected annual temperature rise of more than two degrees Celsius will leave many cocoa-producing areas in West Africa unsuitable for chocolate production by 2050
Dr. Peter Laderach, the lead author of the report released Thursday, says rising temperatures have already effected cocoa crops in some marginal areas.
Smallholder farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana produce more than half of the world’s chocolate, and cocoa has kept the Ivory Coast economy afloat for decades.
An industry representative in Ivory Coast who is not authorized to speak on the record says the report reflects only minimal changes and that there is not cause for alarm.
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