Is Assam's teatime finally over?

We have imported tea from Assam, India, for many decades. In the 19th century the tea crop was so important that tea clippers like the Cutty Sark raced across the seas to bring the first crop to London.

Yet Asam's tea growing may not be sustainable. A New Scientist correspondent reports that temperatures are up, rainfall down and weather generally less predictable. Higher temperatures favour pests whilst reduced rainfall requires the expense of irrigation. In addition, the quality is worse.

The industry will adapt. New varieties and water conservation measures and some switchinmg from black to green and white tyea will maintain production. But its another industry that's being transformed by climate change.