World Coffee News October, 17th

Oct 17, 2025 |Share

Coffee and Climate, Coffee and Culture, Coffee and Health: This Week’s Top Stories in Coffee

This week in coffee news, we look at how discarded coffee grounds might soon help combat climate change, how the “coffee party” movement is giving nightlife a sober twist, and what new research says about coffee’s surprising health benefits. From sustainability breakthroughs to shifting cultural habits, coffee continues to shape both our environment and the way we live.

The Coffee Grounds You Throw Away May Combat Climate Change One Day

Coffee grounds are a daily byproduct of the world’s caffeine habit—and they add up fast. Globally, millions of tons of coffee grounds are discarded each year, often ending up in landfills. As they decompose, these grounds release methane, a greenhouse gas roughly 28 times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide.

But researchers at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates have found a surprising new use for these discarded grounds. In a recent study, scientists combined used coffee grounds with a cocktail of catalytic materials that can help capture and convert anthropogenic (human-made) carbon dioxide. This process could potentially reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.

If successful at scale, the discovery could help transform one of the coffee industry’s largest waste streams into a tool for climate mitigation. In practical terms, that means the same coffee you brew each morning could one day be part of the solution to global warming.

The findings are still in the experimental stage, but they point toward a future where coffee waste is viewed as a renewable resource rather than just landfill material. As sustainability continues to influence how coffee is produced and consumed, innovations like this could redefine what “green coffee” really means.

“The Coffee Party” Seeks to Create Nightlife Without the Hangover

Alcohol-free nightlife is on the rise, and coffee might be the new cocktail. Across North America and beyond, a growing number of young people are swapping bars for cafes—and espresso for alcohol.

A 2023 Gallup poll found that the number of adults under 35 who drink alcohol dropped from 72% in 2001–2003 to 62% in 2021–2023. The trend reflects a broader shift among Gen Z and younger millennials toward wellness, mindfulness, and community-based experiences that don’t center on alcohol consumption.

Enter “The Coffee Party.” In cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Atlanta, entrepreneurs are reimagining nightlife with events that blend DJ sets, ambient lighting, and coffee-based beverages. Patrons sip lattes, mocktails, and cold brew while dancing, socializing, and listening to music late into the night—without the morning-after regret.

This movement has been gaining traction not just for its novelty but also for what it represents: a cultural shift toward intentional living. Many attendees say they love the social atmosphere of nightlife but dislike the aftereffects of drinking. Coffee shops, with their cozy interiors and creative menus, provide a middle ground—energizing, inclusive, and alcohol-free.

It’s also a potential opportunity for cafes to expand their business models. By staying open later and embracing live music or themed events, they can attract a new demographic of customers seeking connection over consumption.

As more people question traditional nightlife norms, coffee culture is stepping up to fill the gap—one cappuccino at a time.

More Good News for Coffee Drinkers: Moderate Coffee Habit Linked to Better Health

Good news for coffee lovers keeps rolling in. A new meta-study reviewing global coffee research has found that moderate coffee consumption—about three to four cups per day—is linked to improved health outcomes and longer life expectancy.

The study, conducted by researchers in the United States, aggregated data from multiple previous studies spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. It found consistent correlations between coffee consumption and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Even more surprising, the benefits extended to both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. That means the health-promoting compounds in coffee — such as antioxidants and polyphenols — may play a more significant role than caffeine itself.

This aligns with earlier findings from large-scale studies, including one in 2024 that followed over 400,000 people for more than a decade, concluding that coffee drinkers had a lower overall risk of death during the study period.

Experts suggest that coffee’s health benefits likely come from its complex mix of bioactive compounds, which may help reduce inflammation, regulate metabolism, and protect against oxidative stress.

Of course, moderation remains key. Too much coffee can still cause issues like insomnia, anxiety, or elevated heart rate. But for most people, enjoying a few cups of coffee per day appears not only safe but actually beneficial.

So, the next time you reach for your morning cup, you can do so with a bit more peace of mind—and perhaps a touch of gratitude for coffee’s quiet contribution to health and longevity.

Final Thoughts

From climate change research to cultural reinvention and scientific discovery, coffee continues to surprise us with its relevance far beyond the cup. What we throw away might one day help clean the planet’s air. What we once used to fuel workdays could now be fueling nightlife. And what we drink each morning might quietly extend our lives.

It’s a reminder that coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a mirror of global change, reflecting our evolving values around sustainability, health, and community. Whether it’s your first cup of the day or your last espresso before a caffeine-fueled dance party, coffee’s story is far from over.
Photo by Alice Castro: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mug-by-the-window-1821797/