A recent report has shed light on the concerning impact of climate change on one of the world’s most popular fruits, the avocado. The superfood, known for its high fiber and healthy fats, requires a significant amount of water to grow, making it particularly susceptible to the effects of a hotter and drier climate. This report, released by the charity Christian Aid, highlights the shrinking productivity of avocado farms in key growing countries, including Burundi, Chile, Peru, Spain, South Africa, and Mexico.
The avocado, which gained widespread popularity in the 2010s and became a staple on millennial menus, now faces challenges due to more volatile weather conditions. As a result, there are increasing calls for support for vulnerable avocado farmers. Jolis Bigirimana, an avocado farmer and president of Farmer’s Pride Burundi, expressed concern over the impact of climate change on his fellow farmers, stating that “we are experiencing hot temperatures, heavy rain, and erosion, which is having a terrible impact on productivity and income.”
Dr. Chloe Sutcliffe, from the Royal Horticultural Society, shared that the UK primarily sources avocados from Peru and Chile, where water scarcity is already a pressing issue. She noted that the expansion of avocado production has further compromised access to water for smallholder farmers. “It is highly likely that the effects of climate change on water availability will worsen the water scarcity situation in these regions,” she added.
According to sustainable food expert Honor Eldridge, it takes an average of 320 liters of water to grow just one avocado. As concerns over the environmental impact of avocado production grow, some food experts suggest alternative toast-toppers such as smashed peas with garlic and mint.
Christian Aid’s report, titled “Getting Smashed,” cites a 2022 study that predicts a 21% decline in primary growing areas by 2050, even with a limit of 2C of global warming. The world’s largest avocado producer, Mexico, could see its potential growing area reduced by 31% by 2050 under 2C of warming, according to Christian Aid.
While the world is currently on track for 2.5-2.9C of warming above pre-industrial levels, far exceeding the 1.5-2C target set by the Paris Agreement, it is lower than previous estimates due to new climate and energy policies. However, the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect growing systems and those dependent on them remains crucial, as stated by Sarah Peake from the Eden Project. “It doesn’t stop there – we can all lessen our impact on the planet by thinking about what we eat and where it comes from,” she added.
