A new study study published in Nature Plants warns that because of extreme drought and heat caused by global warming could lead to a global beer shortages. This beer shortages can lead to big price increases and reduce the global beer consumption by 29 billion liters.
The research used climate models to examine the impact of extreme weather on barley yields over the next 80 years. The international study involved researchers from the UK, China, Mexico, and the US, who identified extreme climate events and modelled the impacts of these on barley yields in 34 world regions.
Barley, the main ingredient in beer, is extremely sensitive to temperature and drought, and because humans have really fucked up the planet, it means the temperature is increasing which will lead to substantial decreases in barley crops. Less barley means less beer.
Depending on how severe these climate events play out, researchers estimate the average barley crop loss could range from 3-percent to 17-percent.
In the UK, beer consumption could fall by between 0.37 billion and 1.33 billion litres, while the price could as much as double. Consumption in the US could decrease by between 1.08 billion and 3.48 billion litres.
The researchers said that compared with life-threatening impacts of global warming such as the floods and storms faced by millions, a beer shortage may seem relatively unimportant. But they said it would affect the quality of life of many people.
Prof Guan said, “It may be argued that consuming less beer isn’t itself disastrous, and may even have health benefits. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that for millions of people around the world, the climate impacts on beer availability and price will add insult to injury.”
Using other grains such as wheat to brew is unlikely to be an option, as all crops will suffer from extreme weather, said Guan. Nor will what he calls other “luxury essentials” be an alternative source of pleasure: “All these are going to be more expensive chocolate, coffee and tea, all those crops are going to be suffering.”
>Juthy Saha
Beer Shortages and Price Hikes Due to Climate Change
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