What type of coffee cultivation method is often linked to environmental degradation?

The cultivation method that is often linked to environmental degradation is sun-grown coffee cultivation. This method involves clearing forests and land to create direct sunlight exposure for the coffee plants, which can lead to significant ecological damage. The removal of trees not only disrupts local ecosystems but also contributes to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and problems with water runoff, which can degrade the surrounding environment.

In contrast, shade-grown coffee promotes the protection of trees and the existing ecosystem, supporting wildlife habitat and enhancing soil health. Organic coffee cultivation emphasizes sustainable practices that avoid synthetic chemicals, thus protecting the environment. Rain-fed coffee production relies on natural rainfall, which can be more sustainable than irrigation methods that deplete local water resources.

Because sun-grown cultivation directly contributes to these forms of environmental harm, it is recognized as the method associated with the most negative impacts on the ecosystem.