Mongabay Newscast Coffee drives tropical deforestation, but it doesn’t have to
Jun 17, 2025
Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch and former U.S. National Wildlife Federation adviser, shines a light on the dark side of the coffee industry. She discusses how coffee production contributes to deforestation and human rights abuses, such as child labor and slavery. Higonnet stresses that implementing fair wages could significantly reduce these violations. She champions the European Union Deforestation Regulation as a vital step to improve industry practices and protect both people and the planet. Ethical sourcing in the coffee supply chain is crucial for positive change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Coffee's Hidden Global Harms
- The coffee industry is a major global issue causing slavery, child labor, and deforestation.
- Millions of children and enslaved workers are involved in coffee production unbeknownst to many consumers.
Coffee's Severe Environmental Impact
- Coffee ranks as the sixth biggest driver of deforestation worldwide.
- Its production often relies on pesticide-soaked monocultures and incorporates slavery and child labor.
Slow Forest Coffee Inspiration
- Visiting Slow Forest Coffee proved coffee can be excellent without deforestation or exploitation.
- They demonstrate how living income wages and agroforestry can create a beautiful coffee industry.