The climate crisis also affects your wallet
Many people think that the consequences of the climate crisis are far from them and 'not in my backyard'. Images of floods in Southeast Asia or devastating storms in the Caribbean dominate the news, but it feels like it does not directly affect us in the Netherlands. Yet we all have to deal with the consequences of climate change every day - also financially. Your wallet feels it, and it will only get worse.
Why does the climate crisis affect your wallet?
One of the clearest examples is the rising price of food. Climate change is increasingly causing harvests to fail worldwide. Extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, floods and heavy rainfall, make it more difficult to grow crops. This leads to scarcity, and scarcity drives up prices.
A current example is coffee. The price of Arabica beans, the most popular type of coffee used by large chains such as Starbucks, rose to its highest level since 1977 in 2024. This is due to failed harvests in Brazil and Vietnam, the two largest coffee producing countries in the world.
In Brazil, the worst drought in decades is causing coffee plants to not get enough water. At the same time, Vietnam is suffering from a combination of drought and heavy rainfall, which is further hampering the harvest. The consequences? A price increase of more than 70 percent for Arabica beans in one year. This not only affects coffee farmers, but also consumers. Café owners and supermarkets pay more for their coffee beans and pass on those costs. Your daily cup of coffee is therefore becoming more expensive.
Not just coffee
The problem is not limited to coffee. Other products that we use every day are also affected. Think of grain, vegetables, fruit and rice. Extreme weather is reducing the yield of these crops, which is causing prices in the supermarket to rise. The consequences of these price increases are most noticeable for people on low incomes, for whom groceries take up a large part of their budget.
Climate change is here and now
The rising prices show that climate change is not a problem of ‘other countries’. It is a global problem that affects everyone, including in the Netherlands. Whether it’s more expensive coffee, higher energy costs due to more extreme winters or inflation due to disruptions in international trade – the impact is felt everywhere.
By taking action now, we can limit the consequences of the climate crisis. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste and making more sustainable choices in our own lives.
Do you want to contribute to the solution?
Then consider using your career to combat climate change. On Greenjobs.nl you will find jobs at companies and organisations that are working towards a more sustainable world. Whether you want to contribute to innovative agricultural techniques, renewable energy projects or sustainable products and services – there is a place for everyone to make an impact.
Everyone can contribute, and it is important that we realise that climate change is not a future problem, but a crisis that is already affecting us today – including in your wallet. Have you also noticed this in the supermarket or at your favourite café? Share your experience and let’s create awareness together!
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