Tag: Trees

The Future of Chocolate is in Danger: How Climate Change is Harming West Africa’s Cocoa Farms

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A close-up of cacao pods hanging from a tree branch. One pod is green and healthy, while the other is yellowed. The tree’s bark is rough, surrounded by green leaves.
A close-up of cacao pods hanging from a tree branch. One pod is green and healthy, while the other is yellowed. The tree’s bark is rough, surrounded by green leaves. Credit: Tope A. Asokere on Pexels.

The Chocolate Crisis You Didn’t See Coming

Imagine walking into your favorite store, craving a bar of smooth, rich chocolate, only to find that prices have skyrocketed—or worse, your favorite brand is no longer available. It sounds extreme, but this could be the reality in the not-so-distant future. West Africa produces 70% of the world’s cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate, but climate change is making it harder to grow. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and increasing crop diseases are threatening cacao farms.

This isn’t just bad news for chocolate lovers. Millions of farmers depend on cacao to feed their families and support their communities. If cacao production continues to decline, their livelihoods—and the world’s chocolate supply—are at risk.

Where Does Chocolate Come From? (And Why Should You Care?)

Most of us don’t think about where chocolate comes from—we just enjoy it. But before that delicious bar reaches your hands, it starts as a pod growing on a delicate cacao tree.

Cacao trees thrive in warm, humid climates, but there’s a catch—they can’t handle extreme heat. The ideal temperature for cacao trees is below 32°C (89.6°F), and anything hotter can start causing serious problems.

The biggest producers of cacao—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria—rely on these trees for their economies. More than 9 million farmers and workers depend on cacao farming to survive. But now, climate change is pushing temperatures past safe levels, and cacao trees are suffering.

Rising Temperatures Are Hurting Cacao Farms

Cacao trees have been growing in West Africa for centuries, but in recent years, farmers have noticed something disturbing: it’s getting too hot for their crops.

  • Since 2015, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have had 40 extra days per year where temperatures rise above 32°C.
  • In 2024, 71% of cacao-producing areas experienced six extra weeks of extreme heat.

Why does this matter? Because excessive heat weakens cacao trees.

  • Too much heat reduces photosynthesis, slowing growth and lowering cacao yields.
  • Cacao pods shrivel up or grow smaller, reducing the amount of chocolate that can be made.
  • Farmers are losing money, and global chocolate prices are rising.

One farmer in Côte d’Ivoire described it best:

The leaves used to protect our cacao pods from the sun. Now, they fall off too soon, and the pods dry out before we can harvest them.

The result? Lower quality cacao, smaller harvests, and more expensive chocolate.

Too Much Rain, Then Not Enough

If rising temperatures weren’t bad enough, cacao trees now face another major problem: wildly unpredictable rainfall.

Cacao farming depends on steady, well-distributed rain—about 1,500 to 2,000 mm per year. But thanks to climate change, rainfall has become chaotic:

  • In July 2024, Côte d’Ivoire received 40% more rain than expected. Farms flooded, cacao pods rotted, and entire crops were lost.
  • In December 2024, some regions received almost no rain. Without water, cacao trees wilted, and pods stopped growing.

It’s a double disaster: too much rain drowns the crops, too little leaves them starving. Farmers can’t predict when to plant or harvest, and each year gets more uncertain.

It’s Not Just the Weather, There are Other Threats to Cacao Farming

As if extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall weren’t enough, cacao farmers face even more obstacles.

Pests & Diseases Are Spreading Faster Than Ever

Warmer temperatures help pests thrive, especially mealybugs, tiny insects that spread the deadly Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV).

  • 600,000 hectares of cacao farms in Ghana were infected with CSSV in 2023.
  • This disease alone caused a 17% drop in Ghana’s cacao production.

When cacao trees get infected, they stop producing pods and eventually die. Farmers are losing entire farms to this disease, and finding ways to stop it is difficult.

Smuggling & Illegal Mining are Stealing Cacao Farmers’ Livelihoods

Cacao farming is already tough work, but low wages are forcing some farmers to sell their crops to smugglers or even give up farming entirely.

  • Ghana lost 160,000 tons of cacao to smugglers in the 2023/2024 season—three times more than the previous year.
  • Some farmers are leasing their land to illegal miners because mining pays better than farming.

The problem? Mining damages the land, making it impossible to farm cacao again. Once a farmer gives up their land, they may never be able to return to growing cacao.

Can Anything Be Done? Yes—But It Will Take Effort.

Despite these challenges, there are solutions that can help protect cacao farming. Here’s what’s being done:

Planting Shade Trees (Agroforestry)

  • Farmers are planting taller trees, like banana, mango, and cashew, to protect cacao from extreme heat.
  • These trees cool down cacao farms and improve soil moisture.

Fighting Pests & Disease

  • Scientists are working on disease-resistant cacao trees to fight CSSV.
  • Better pest management techniques could reduce losses by 17% per year.

Fair Trade & Financial Support

  • Programs that pay farmers fair wages reduce smuggling and illegal mining.
  • More financial support means farmers can afford climate adaptation strategies.

These solutions are helping, but they need global support to make a real impact.

You might be wondering—what can I actually do? Here are some ideas:

  • Choose ethical chocolate by looking for Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Direct Trade labels. These brands support sustainable cacao farming and fair wages for farmers.
  • Support reforestation projects. Some groups help plant shade trees on cacao farms to protect crops from climate change. Supporting these efforts helps cacao trees survive extreme weather.
  • Tell your friends and family about this issue.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate isn’t just a treat—it’s a lifeline for millions of farmers. But if climate change continues at this rate, chocolate could become a rare luxury. The good news? We still have time to act. By choosing sustainable chocolate, supporting reforestation, and spreading awareness, we can help protect cacao farming for generations to come.

Source: Climate Central. (2025, February 12). Climate change is heating up West Africa’s cocoa belt. Climate Central. Retrieved from https://www.climatecentral.org/

How Climate Change Is Changing Our Coastal Forests

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Map of change between sampling intervals in forest area for low and mid elevation (crossed) counties derived from the FIA.
Map of change between sampling intervals in forest area for low and mid elevation (crossed) counties derived from the FIA. Vector shapefiles were retrieved from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Imagine driving along the coast and seeing rows of lifeless trees standing in pools of water—gray, leafless, and eerie. These “ghost forests” are appearing along the eastern United States, and they tell a sobering story about how climate change is reshaping our coastal landscapes. Coastal forests, which provide critical benefits to both people and wildlife, are disappearing or transforming at an alarming rate.

What Are Coastal Forests and Why Are They Important?

Coastal forests are unique woodlands found near the shorelines of oceans, bays, and estuaries. These forests thrive in areas with a mix of salty and fresh water, making them different from inland forests.

Coastal forests are essential for:

  • Wildlife Habitat: They provide homes for birds, fish, and other animals that rely on both land and water ecosystems.

  • Flood Protection: Their trees and soil act as natural barriers, absorbing water and reducing the impact of floods and storm surges.

  • Carbon Storage: Coastal forests capture and store large amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps slow the pace of global warming.

These vital ecosystems are under threat. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and higher temperatures are causing widespread damage. Many trees are dying, leaving behind ghost forests where thriving woodlands once stood.

How Climate Change Is Impacting Coastal Forests

Climate change is reshaping coastal forests in profound ways, driven by rising sea levels, stronger storms, and increasing temperatures. Each of these factors contributes to the gradual transformation of these ecosystems, creating significant challenges for their survival.

  • Sea Level Rise: As sea levels rise, saltwater moves further inland, soaking the roots of trees that cannot survive in salty conditions. Over time, these trees die, creating ghost forests. Areas like the Chesapeake Bay have seen this transformation accelerate, as low-lying forests succumb to saltwater intrusion.

  • Stronger Storms: Hurricanes and tropical storms are becoming more intense due to climate change. These storms knock down trees, flood forest areas, and create conditions that make it harder for new trees to grow. While some forests recover, many do not, leading to a permanent loss of trees and wildlife habitats.

  • Warming Temperatures: Rising temperatures put stress on coastal forests by changing the types of trees and plants that can survive. Warmer weather can also make forests more vulnerable to pests and diseases, further accelerating tree loss.

What This Means for Us

The disappearance of coastal forests has far-reaching consequences that go beyond the trees themselves. From influencing the global climate to protecting communities and wildlife, these ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining balance.

  • Carbon Storage: Coastal forests are powerful carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When these forests die, they release this stored carbon back into the air, worsening global warming.

  • Flood Protection: Without coastal forests, communities are more exposed to flooding and storm surges. These natural barriers are irreplaceable in their ability to protect homes, roads, and other infrastructure from water damage.

  • Wildlife Impact: The loss of coastal forests means many animals lose their homes. Birds, amphibians, and fish that rely on these ecosystems are forced to relocate—or they may not survive at all.

What Can Be Done?

While the challenges facing coastal forests are significant, there are practical steps we can take to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. From preserving existing forests to adapting to the realities of climate change, these actions offer hope for the future.

1. Protect Existing Forests

Taking steps to safeguard the forests we still have is crucial for their survival.

  • Limit construction and development near coastal areas to reduce stress on these ecosystems.
  • Establish protected zones where forests can thrive without human interference.

2. Plant More Trees

Replanting trees native to the land can restore damaged forests and strengthen their resilience against climate change.

  • Reforestation efforts can help rebuild damaged areas and increase the number of trees that store carbon.
  • Focus on planting salt-tolerant species, native to the land, in vulnerable areas to adapt to rising sea levels.

3. Adapt to Climate Change

Adapting to the realities of climate change can help protect coastal forests and ensure their long-term survival.

  • Build barriers or channels to prevent saltwater from reaching inland forests.
  • Use technology and research to monitor changes in forest health and plan for future challenges.

Summing Up

Coastal forests are lifelines for wildlife, shields against floods, and crucial allies in the fight against climate change. Saving these forests matters, not only for the environment but also for the well-being of communities that rely on them. Conservation efforts and innovative solutions are helping some coastal forests recover. And, with collective action, we can ensure these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

Source: Ardón, M., Potter, K. M., White, E., Jr., & Woodall, C. W. (2025). Coastal carbon sentinels: A decade of forest change along the eastern shore of the US signals complex climate change dynamics. PLOS Climate, 4(1), e0000444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000444. See the data.

The Wisdom of Trees

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Lessons for Our Lives and Our Planet



Trees have a lot to teach us, if only we take a moment to listen to their quiet wisdom. They aren’t just standing silently in the background; they are alive with a purpose, vibrant, and deeply interconnected. By observing how trees live, grow, and thrive together, we can learn lessons that can enrich our own lives and strengthen our communities.

Embrace Interconnectedness

A forest is not just a collection of individual trees—it’s a living, breathing community, dependent on collaboration and connection. The mycorrhizal networks linking tree roots remind us that our strength lies in our connections. By embracing this interconnectedness, we grow stronger together, more capable of weathering life’s challenges.

Share Nutrients to Help Each Other Grow

Beneath the forest floor lies a marvelous network of fungal filaments called mycorrhiza. This hidden web allows trees to share nutrients, send signals, and even warn one another of dangers. Just as trees use these networks to nourish and protect their community, we too can share uplifting knowledge, resources, and support so we make humanity stronger, more purposeful, and abundant for all.

Provide Mutual Support

Trees form partnerships, sometimes even across species. For instance, Douglas Firs and Birches often share resources, helping each other flourish. This cooperation allows diverse species to coexist—a reminder to us that we are stronger when we support those around us, especially those who may seem different from us. Our differences, like those of the forest, make us richer and more resilient.

Send Signals and Respond

Trees are constantly communicating through chemical, hormonal, and even electrical signals. When under attack by caterpillars, some trees release pheromones that attract parasitic wasps to help eliminate the threat. Pine trees send healing sap when wounded. Nature shows us that it’s crucial to reach out when we need help, but also to respond when others need us—community thrives when others listen and lend a hand. Likewise, we must share with our friends and loved ones the urgency of protecting our climate. In addition, Project 2025 poses a significant threat to environmental protections, and it’s critical that we raise awareness about the potential harms it could bring to our planet.

Heed Warning Systems

Trees are proactive in warning each other of danger. When a giraffe begins feeding on an acacia tree, that tree releases ethylene gas, signaling nearby trees to produce bitter tannins that ward off herbivores. In our own lives, sharing information and protecting one another can make our communities safer and more resilient, just as the trees work together to guard against threats.

Nurture the Next Generation

Older trees, called “Mother Trees,” are the foundation of a healthy forest. They share nutrients with younger or struggling trees, ensuring the forest continues to thrive. When Mother Trees are removed, the entire ecosystem can suffer. We can learn from this—mentorship and nurturing the next generation helps us build a more connected and vibrant community. By offering our time and energy, we ensure that those who come after us are equipped to thrive.

Just as Mother Trees nurture young saplings, we must also appreciate and learn from the elders in our own communities. Elder wisdom is a treasure that connects us to our past, providing insight and perspective that can guide us into the future. The experiences and knowledge of our elders can help us navigate challenges with resilience and grace, just as the older trees sustain the forest.

When we take time to honor and listen to our elders, we strengthen the bonds within our communities. Their stories, lessons, and wisdom are like the nutrients shared through the roots of the forest—fuel for growth and a foundation for a healthier, more connected society. By valuing and supporting our elders, we help create an environment where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, can thrive together.

Practice Altruism

Trees display altruistic behavior, sharing resources with their neighbors in times of need. This selflessness helps the entire forest endure tough times. When we practice altruism in our own lives, we contribute to the resilience of our communities, helping others not because we expect something in return, but because we know we are all connected.

Forests are a powerful reminder that thriving is not about standing alone—it’s about supporting, sharing, and growing together. The wisdom of trees urges us to cultivate our own networks of support, to be generous, and to look out for each other. When we learn from how trees interact, we too can create resilient, thriving communities, rooted in connection and growing stronger together.

Summing Up

But today, our forests and our planet face unprecedented threats. The climate is in crisis, and all living beings are at risk. At Activist360, we believe in the power of standing together—alongside trees and nature—to protect our environment. This is our clarion call: it’s time for us to act, to support one another, and to fight for the health of our planet. Let’s take inspiration from the trees and join forces to ensure a thriving future for all. Together, we can make a difference.