Coffee in the Anthropocene: Challenges & Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The Anthropocene is the era where human activity is shaping the planet more than natural forces. Climate change, deforestation, and pollution are major challenges, and coffee production is deeply connected to them. But there is hope—by changing how we grow, source, and drink coffee, we can create a more sustainable future.

How the Anthropocene Affects Coffee

1. Climate Change & Unpredictable Weather

Coffee is sensitive to climate. Rising temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather are making it harder to grow, forcing farmers to move to higher altitudes or switch crops. Pests and diseases, like coffee leaf rust, are spreading more easily, putting livelihoods at risk.

2. Deforestation & Habitat Loss

Many coffee farms clear forests to grow more crops, but this destroys biodiversity and removes trees that absorb carbon. Without shade trees and diverse ecosystems, farms are more vulnerable to pests, soil erosion, and declining yields.

3. Water Pollution & Soil Degradation

Some coffee processing methods use large amounts of water and create waste that pollutes rivers. Pesticides and chemical fertilisers harm soil health, making land less fertile over time.

4. Social & Economic Inequality

Most of the world’s coffee is grown by small-scale farmers who face unstable prices, low wages, and little support to adapt to climate change. Women coffee growers often have fewer resources and less decision-making power.

How We Can Make a Difference

While the challenges are real, we can support a better future for coffee by choosing sustainable and ethical options.

1. Sustainable Farming Practices

• Agroforestry: Growing coffee under native trees helps protect nature, improve soil, and store carbon.

• Regenerative Farming: Using compost, cover crops, and natural methods to keep the soil healthy and productive.

• Water-Saving Processing: Dry fermentation and closed-loop water systems reduce waste and pollution.

2. Ethical Sourcing & Responsible Consumption

• Buying Direct & Transparent Sourcing: Supporting roasters and importers who work closely with farmers ensures fair pay and sustainability.

• Fair Pay & Gender Equality: Buying coffee from initiatives that empower women helps build stronger farming communities.

• Reducing Waste: Choosing compostable packaging, reusable cups, and repurposing coffee waste lowers the industry’s footprint.

3. Advocacy & Policy Change

• Fair Prices & Climate-Resilient Policies: Supporting policies that promote fair wages and climate adaptation helps farmers.

• Reforestation & Carbon Offsetting: Investing in tree planting and carbon-neutral projects reduces coffee’s environmental impact.

How Que Onda is Making a Difference

At Que Onda, we believe in responsible sourcing. We work directly with small-scale farmers in Mexico and Peru—many of them women—to ensure fair pay, encourage sustainable farming, and help communities adapt to climate change.

From biodynamic farming at Finca Tunkimayu in Peru to shade-grown Sarchimor lots in Oaxaca, we prioritise coffee that respects both people and the planet. The Anthropocene brings challenges, but together, we can build a coffee industry that thrives in harmony with nature.

Want to be part of the change? Let’s source coffee that makes a difference.