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At the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 research facility, scientists are studying the sensitivity of coffee plants, which require moderate temperatures and lots of moisture, to increased temperature and reduced humidity. They're also looking at how growing and bean processing conditions affect coffee flavor, in hopes of making the popular beverage tastier and more sustainable.
To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, which this year has the theme "Invest in Our Planet," researchers will plant 25 coffee trees in the Biosphere 2 tropical rainforest biome – a 20,000-square-foot area modeled after the Amazon Basin and enclosed in the glass and steel structure of Biosphere 2.
"In general, planting trees is an excellent way to celebrate Earth Day, but part of our mission at Biosphere 2 is to approach every day as Earth Day, so for us, this is really just business as usual," said Biosphere 2 deputy director John Adams. "By introducing the coffee trees, our rainforest researchers are hoping to find solutions that make these plants more resilient to future climate challenges and to develop simple, reliable bean processing techniques for small coffee producers. Doing so not only helps us better understand the impact climate change has on the rainforest, but it also benefits communities whose economies are reliant on the success of coffee as an export."
Also in honor of Earth Day, the inaugural TMC Earth Day 5K Run/Walk will be held at Biosphere 2 April 23. The event is a partnership between Run Tucson and Biosphere 2, and funds raised will go to Biosphere 2's Ocean Reef Lab. All race registrants will be able to visit Biosphere 2 on their own throughout the day.
In addition, through April 30, anyone who donates $100 to Biosphere 2 will receive a locally roasted, 12-ounce pouch of Wildcat Local Roast Medium/Dark Craft Decaf Ground Coffee.