Avocados are getting smashed by climate change

Credit: Christian Aid

Source: Christian Aid

A new report by Christian Aid reveals avocados are under threat from the climate crisis, sparking calls for faster emission cuts and more support for farmers.

Christian Aid is calling on governments to commit to urgent emissions reductions and accelerate the energy transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean, renewable energy. And it wants to see more financial support provided to vulnerable agricultural communities that rely on avocado growing for their livelihoods so they can adapt to the changing climate - a change that has been driven primarily by polluting nations in the global north.

In recent years, avocados have transformed from a niche food item into a global culinary phenomenon, enjoyed not only for their taste but for their health benefits, including high fibre, healthy fats, and a wealth of vitamins.

A new report from Christian Aid, 'Getting Smashed: The Climate Danger Facing Avocados', reveals a troubling forecast. The report sheds light on the broader implications of climate change on agriculture and global food security.

Avocados have become something of a controversial fruit. Known for their impact on the environment due to its need for lots of water, but this need for water is what makes them especially vulnerable to climate change in a hotter, drier, more drought-prone world.

Some of our best avocado growing regions are shrinking - and many people around the world rely on the high fibre, vitamin-rich fruit for essential nutrition. Their growth and viability as a crop in the changing climate in the current major producing areas of Mexico, Spain, Chile, and Colombia is projected to shift. Globally, areas deemed highly suitable for growing avocados are expected to decline by between 14% and 41% by 2050, depending on how quickly global emissions are reduced. The worse the climate scenario, the more rapidly prime avocado growing regions will shrink.

Mexico, the world's biggest producer, could see its potential growing area reduced by 31% by 2050 even if global average temperature rise was limited to under 2C. If temperatures rise by 5C, growing areas could reduce by 43%, endangering the industry's sustainability and the livelihoods dependent on it.

Full report at: www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/our-work/getting-smashed-climate-danger-facing-avocados