Bananas may disappear from global export markets by 2080: report

A new report by Christian Aid warns that climate change could render nearly two-thirds of banana-growing regions in Latin America and the Caribbean unsuitable for cultivation by 2080.

The findings highlight significant risks to both local livelihoods and global banana supply chains.

According to the report, Going Bananas: How Climate Change Threatens the World’s Favourite Fruit, rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, stronger storms, and the spread of fungal diseases are already impacting yields in major producing nations such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia.

Bananas, particularly the cavendish variety, are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture. The crop flourishes within a narrow climate window of 15°C to 35°C and requires consistent rainfall. Extreme weather events and excessive moisture can damage the plant’s leaves, reducing its ability to photosynthesize and grow.

The report also points to a lack of genetic diversity in global banana cultivation, which increases vulnerability to disease outbreaks such as black leaf fungus and fusarium wilt—both of which are exacerbated by changing weather patterns.

Bananas are a vital source of food and income for more than 400 million people, providing up to 27% of daily caloric intake in some regions. While 80% of global banana production is consumed locally, Latin America and the Caribbean account for the bulk of international exports.

Christian Aid is calling on high-emitting nations to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels and commit financial support for climate adaptation in low-income countries.

“Bananas are not just the world’s favourite fruit, they are also an essential food for millions of people,” said Osai Ojigho, the organization’s policy and campaigns director. “The lives and livelihoods of people who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis are already under threat.”