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Shade trees could cut cocoa emissions — Level A1 — a dirt path in the middle of a forest

Shade trees could cut cocoa emissionsCEFR A1

28 Aug 2025

Adapted from Rory Harris, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Rajeev Sahadevan, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
1 min
60 words
  • Cocoa farming makes many greenhouse gases.
  • Researchers say planting shade trees helps.
  • This practice is called agroforestry.
  • The study used satellites and machine learning.
  • It looked at Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
  • Only about five per cent has 30% shade.
  • Reaching 30% shade could offset 167% emissions.
  • Many farmers are reluctant to plant trees.
  • Groups gave 43 million seedlings since 2018.

Difficult words

  • farmA piece of land for growing crops.
    farms
  • cocoaA type of plant used to make chocolate.
  • treeA tall plant with a trunk and leaves.
    trees
  • soilThe top layer of earth used for growing.
  • cocoa cropsPlants grown for food or other use.
  • moistSlightly wet or damp.
  • ownTo have something as your property.

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • What do you think about using shade trees on cocoa farms?
  • How might farmers feel about losing their crops?
  • Why is agroforestry important for the environment?

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