Climate change and cocoa: pollination and solutions (English, Level A1)

Climate change is reducing cocoa production in many regions.
Cocoa trees grow within a small temperature range.
Very warm areas produce much less cocoa fruit.
Pollination by insects is important for cocoa flowers.
Hand pollination can raise the cocoa yield.
Farmers depend on cocoa to pay for basics.
Plantation expansion can harm forests and wildlife.
Adding shade or cover crops can help trees.
Scientists call for more research and support.

Difficult words

climate — Long-term weather patterns in a region.

pollination — Transfer of pollen that helps plants make fruit.

yield — Amount of crop or product from plants.

plantation — A large farm where one crop is grown.

shade — Area with less sun to protect plants.

wildlife — Wild animals and plants in nature.

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

15 Dec 2025

Healthy diets can cost less and cut emissions

A global study finds that healthy diets often cost less and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than many current diets. Researchers used local food data and diet targets to compare cost and climate impact.

Level

Read

10 Oct 2025

Potatoes regain importance in North Kivu, DRC

Government, NGOs, researchers and farmers are expanding potato farming in parts of North Kivu. Improved seeds, training and better soil practices aim to raise yields despite bad roads, crop diseases and degraded soils.

Level

Read

28 Aug 2025

Shade trees could cut cocoa emissions

A study using satellite data and machine learning found only about 5% of cocoa farms in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have at least 30% shade. Planting trees to reach 30% shade could store carbon and offset 167% of cocoa emissions.

Level

Read

9 Feb 2026

Many pesticides used in Latin America are banned in the EU

A study found that many active pesticide ingredients allowed on major crops in eight Latin American countries are banned or not authorised in the EU. The researchers examined public approval records up to December 2020 and warn of health risks.

Level

Read

19 Jun 2025

Drought's Growing Economic Impact

Drought is becoming a serious problem worldwide, affecting economies and food security. Experts stress the need for better water management and effective policies to tackle this crisis.

Level

Read

Climate change and cocoa: pollination and solutions^{CEFR A1}

Difficult words

Discussion questions

Related articles

Healthy diets can cost less and cut emissions

Potatoes regain importance in North Kivu, DRC

Shade trees could cut cocoa emissions

Many pesticides used in Latin America are banned in the EU

Drought's Growing Economic Impact

Climate change and cocoa: pollination and solutions CEFR A1

Difficult words

Discussion questions

Related articles

Healthy diets can cost less and cut emissions

Potatoes regain importance in North Kivu, DRC

Shade trees could cut cocoa emissions

Many pesticides used in Latin America are banned in the EU

Drought's Growing Economic Impact

Climate change and cocoa: pollination and solutions^{CEFR A1}