COCONUT CONCERNS The coconut industry is in danger, and it’s decline has global effects. by Kevin Solez photography by Reena Newman
C
oconut is a global industry that
cha Rosete, researcher at the Toronto firm
supports the livelihood of 10 million
Sporometrics, the production of coconut
families, and is the raw material for
worldwide is currently under threat from
a wide variety of popular products, from
a disease that strikes the trees and is likely
lubricants to cosmetics to edible products
caused by the cicada-like insect Haplaxius
touted as “superfoods,” such as coconut
crudus, whose territory has expanded due
water, milk and oil. According to Yaima Aro-
to climate change. Much like the threat to