Will chocolate survive the climate crisis?

In addition to various issues of ethical labor, most chocolate is high in emissions. Did you know that per serving, a chocolate bar from deforested rainforest emits more than a serving of low-impact beef?

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While the chocolate industry is creating a fraction of global emissions that are accelerating climate change, it’s also a victim of its effects. Drastic shifts in rainfall and temperature, pest outbreaks among monocultures, and unplantable soils are all causing issues for the industry. 

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So how do we find ethical chocolate that doesn’t harm people or the planet?

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Where do chocolate’s emissions come from?

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While emissions are released from planting through production, the bulk of chocolate’s carbon footprint comes from deforestation and land clearing, with global forest loss between 1988-2008 adding up to 2.3 million hectares.

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Deforestation

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Deforestation for cocoa farming releases carbon dioxide (CO2) stored in trees and vegetation.  This also reduces the potential of forests to act as carbon sinks. Additionally, some cocoa farming practices involve the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can lead to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

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Cocoa Processing

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The processing of cocoa beans into chocolate involves energy-intensive processes such as roasting, grinding, and conching. These processes often require electricity and heat, which can come from fossil fuels and contribute to CO2 emissions. For milk chocolate, the production of milk also factors into the chocolate's overall emissions.

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Transportation

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The transportation of cocoa beans from farms to processing facilities and then to chocolate manufacturers, as well as the distribution of the finished chocolate products to consumers, requires energy and often relies on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, leading to CO2 emissions.

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Packaging

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Packaging materials, especially if they are not environmentally friendly, can contribute to emissions during production and disposal. This includes emissions from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, and transportation.

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Retail and Storage

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Refrigeration and energy use at retail stores and storage facilities contribute to emissions.

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Waste Management

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Improper waste management can lead to emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills, as well as emissions from incineration.

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The promise of Fair Trade chocolate

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“According to the 2018 Cocoa Barometer, a report by 15 European non-profit organizations, as many as 2.1 million child laborers are working in West Africa alone. Low cacao prices and lower labor costs drive farmers to employ children as a means to survive.” — Amrita Amesur, Diaspora Co.

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The chocolate industry is riddled with ethical issues, including child labor, low wages, and poverty. Certifications like Fair Trade are increasing standards and accountability to build better places for people to work. 

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Various organizations, such as Fair Trade International and Fair Trade USA, oversee the certification and labeling of Fair Trade products, including eco-friendly chocolate. Fair Trade chocolate adheres to practices of: 

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• fair prices
• community development
• no child labor or forced labor
• Environmental sustainability
• Transparency and traceability
• Empowerment of marginalized producers
• Democratic decision making

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How to find ethical chocolate

To shop for more sustainable chocolate, look for these criteria: 

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• Check the packaging for Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certification
• Avoid products with unidentified vegetable oil or uncertified palm oil or soy ingredients 
• Look for transparency about sustainability practices, policies, and ingredient origins
• Ensure you’re supporting brands that don’t support child labor or deforestation

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These Commons-approved chocolate brands are Climate Neutral which means they reduce their emissions and offset what they can’t reduce: Cacoco Drinking Chocolate, Alter Eco, Coracao Confections. Check the Commons app for hundreds more sustainable brands.