Climate Change Brewing Trouble for Tea

For millions of people around the world, mornings begin with a hot cup of tea. But this comforting ritual is now under serious threat.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall caused by climate change are putting the future of tea at risk. The impact of climate change is no longer distant. It is already here—in the fields, in the leaves, and in every cup of tea we drink.

Among all industries, farming is one of the most affected by climate change. And among all crops, tea is especially vulnerable. Around 13 million people work in tea, and their future is now uncertain, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development. It affects consumers too, as tea is the world's favorite beverage, second only to water.

Tea's problems reflect what's happening to other crops too, like rice, coffee, and cocoa. If tea production falls sharply, it won't just hurt farmers. It will affect the economy and millions of people who rely on it, especially in a country like India where more than half the households depend on agriculture for livelihoods.