It’s true. An international team of scientists has released a new report on the effects of climate change on barley – essential to the world’s most popular alcoholic bevvie – for the next 80 years – and they’re predicting a global beer shortage.
Looking at 34 regions around the world, they’ve concluded drought and heat could lead to a 16 per cent drop in consumption or 29 billion litres – the amount of beer drunk in the US every year.
Beer drinkers will also be hit where it really hurts – the hip pocket. Depending on where you live, prices could range from double to six or seven times more expensive (ouch!)
Of course, we accept that rising temperatures and seas are much more important than beer – and drinking less beer may even have its benefits (a few less beer bellies?) – but still it’s part of our national culture – we even created the first beer for space.
So, should we start stockpiling? The scientists behind the study say their aim is not to encourage people to drink more beer – rather they want everybody in the world to do what they can to fight climate change.
We’re happy to do our bit – just hand us a cold one while we do.
