A universal language

As the ephemeral mist dissipated into the vast expanse above, it stirred a dormant recollection within my hippocampus, the organic repository of all memories. I was transported back to the enchantment of childhood winters, where each exhaled breath became a captivating display, resembling wisps of smoke in the chilly air. Innocently, my cousins and I mimicked the act of smoking, unaware of the grave health implications associated with it, our minds shielded by the blissful ignorance of youth.

While my mind wandered back to my hometown of Lobatse, here I stood in a land far from my African roots. The allure of London’s sights and sounds pulled me in, a grin spreading across my face as the misty scenery unfolded before me. Clad in a snug jacket, its down and Gore-Tex layers cocooning me in warmth, I felt the chill kept at bay.

A cozy beanie shielded my ears, reminiscent of the comforting embrace of the African sun. The gentle caress of cool air kissed my bare skin, drawing my attention to my phone’s screen, where a lone digit confessed the temperature.

Despite my unmistakable legacy, proudly proclaiming my African origins and a lifetime basking beneath the relentless African sun, I found myself relishing the crisp embrace of the English winter. In December 2019, three months prior to the global revelation of the COVID-19 pandemic’s harrowing impact, we basked in blissful ignorance, eagerly anticipating our exploration of this magnificent city.

Strolling down the gradual incline of the sidewalk, we found ourselves embraced by the sleek steel and glass structures adorning this picturesque enclave in Paddington. In the distance, the canal whispered its invitation, guiding the path toward the sprawling expanse of Paddington station. As Shabana, Ayaan, and Azeem led the way, I lingered behind, capturing the essence of this tranquil London oasis through the lens of my camera. Approaching the canal’s edge, its allure intensified. Serene boats swayed gently in the ripples, tethered to the shore. My breath caught in my throat as I beheld a familiar emblem gracing the side of one vessel. In hindsight, perhaps the boat’s vibrant green and gold hues were a dead giveaway. Proudly painted on its flank was the leaping Springbok, an emblem synonymous with the sporting heritage of South Africa, or more broadly, Southern Africa.

It struck me then that while England’s history boasted of colonisation across the globe, it ultimately became the final colony itself. Now, subjects from myriad nations populated London, transforming it into one of the world’s most culturally diverse metropolises. As we moved forth, another familiar logo punctuated the scene.

Within a green and white circular emblem, the “Siren,” a twin-tailed mermaid, welcomed one and all. Adorned with cascading locks, a regal crown, and her twin tails gracefully enveloping her form, the Starbucks logo exudes timeless allure. Coffee, the aromatic elixir that kick starts mornings and fuels conversations, holds a revered status in the global marketplace as one of the most traded commodities. In the bustling streets of Addis Ababa or the quaint cafes of Paris, coffee serves as a universal language, connecting people across continents. Its journey from bean to brew is steeped in centuries-old traditions, evolving alongside human civilisation. Today, coffee holds an esteemed position in society, often symbolising vitality, productivity, and socialisation. But dark clouds loom on the horizon and coffee’s future is under threat.

Cafe arabica, the most popular variety of coffee, is a finicky crop to grow. Climate change poses a dire threat to the coffee industry globally. The specific temperature, light, and humidity requirements essential for coffee growth are primarily met within the coffee belt of Latin America. However, the Inter-American Development Bank forecasts a staggering 50% reduction in suitable coffee-growing areas by 2050 due to rising temperatures.

This impact extends beyond Latin America, affecting African countries like Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and others, where coffee production is vital for their economies. In response to this crisis, Starbucks, a major coffee purchaser, is pioneering the development of new arabica varietals tailored to withstand a warming planet.

Despite these efforts, experts caution that while coffee rust-resistant trees may offer some relief, they are not a panacea for the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. Nature’s adaptability outpaces scientific advancements, complicating the quest for long-term solutions.

Advocates stress the urgency of transitioning from conventional, industrialised coffee farming methods to more sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems. Such a shift is seen as crucial for ensuring the resilience and longevity of coffee production in the face of climate uncertainty. And for us, coffee, with its aromatic embrace, is the catalyst that fuels our creativity and soothes our soul, an indispensable elixir in our everyday lives.