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ClimateSri Lanka

How 200-year-old tea leaves could secure the future of tea

February 26, 2026

Climate change is making harvests increasingly unpredictable — including in Sri Lanka, where tea is a pillar of the economy. Now, researchers are turning to 200-year-old tea leaves to help farmers grow resilient crops.

https://p.dw.com/p/59UM1

Rising temperatures are disrupting harvests in Sri Lanka, one of the last countries where tea leaves are hand-picked, putting pressure on the country's tea industry.

As weather conditions in the South Asian country become more unpredictable, researchers in the UK are studying tea varieties dating back to the 1800s in order to find plants that can better withstand drought.

Their work aims to safeguard future harvests for generations to come.

Enno Hinz | Journalist | Deutsche Welle | DW | Volontär | DW Akademie | Volontariat Jahrgang 2025 - 2026
Enno Hinz covers politics, business and technology with an interest in constructive reporting.
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