Complaint
A listener complained that a report by the ±«Óãtv’s Climate Editor on the rising price of cocoa was mistaken in linking the rise to climatic factors and human-induced climate change. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the ±«Óãtv’s editorial standards of accuracy.
Outcome
The Climate Editor reported that the drought and heatwave which affected West Africa in February had led to a fall in cocoa yields, leading to a rise in prices, and cited evidence from World Weather Attribution which linked the situation to human-induced climate change. The ECU noted that there was a consensus among analysts and industry bodies that the fall in yields was attributable to the direct and indirect effects of heat and drought, and that a link between these conditions and human-induced climate change was also reported by JP Morgan’s Global Research Team. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the ECU concluded the Climate Editor’s comments were duly accurate.
Not upheld