Coffee farming usually entails the removal or manipulation of tropical forest. Coffee grown under a tree canopy is more environmentally sustainable, because shade reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, helps to conserve water, reduces daytime soil and air temperatures and allows for greater biodiversity. However, consumers currently have no way of knowing whether their coffee purchases have been agents of deforestation or have helped to safeguard the environment.
Competing Interests
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The authors declare no competing interests.