Climate change may lead to beer shortage, shows study

Beer is on the verge of running short because of global warming and climate change
beer
beer

The king of alcoholic beverages, Beer is on the verge of running short because of global warming and climate change. Barley being the main ingredient of the beverage is threatened by extreme heat and drought. 17% of the global barley crop production goes into making beer. According to a study published in the journal ‘Nature Plants’, Global warming will lead to significant decrease in barley crop yields, causing a decline in beer production leading to a sharp rise in the price of a pint.

Duan Guan, a co-author of the study and a professor of climate change economics at the University of East Angila in Norwich, United Kingdom said “The aim of the study is not to encourage people to drink more today, instead it is trying to say that climate change will impact your quality of life. We have to all work together to mitigate climate change and prevent this from happening.”

He further added that during the most severe climate events, global beer consumption would decline on average by 16%, while beer prices on average would double.  Countries like Ireland, Estonia and Czech Republic where beer is considered much of a staple will suffer a lot, he believes. Adding to that he emphasises, the shortage in the working-class drink may lead to social instability that occurred during the Prohibition period in the United States.

Barley is not the only crop vulnerable to climate change. Chocolate, coffee, tea and cigars will become luxury essentials if people don’t start making wise choices.

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