The weather is spilled in beer history
Since time immemorial, beer has been much more than a simple drink: it is a symbol of culture, celebration and tradition. But now, an unwanted guest threatens to alter that story: climate change. As the planet warms up and extreme phenomena become more frequent, the production of this popular drink faces unpublished uncertainties.
Ingredients in check, because of the weather
The indispensable raw materials for beer, such as barley and hops, are especially sensitive to climate whims. And its alteration not only puts taste at risk, but also prices and availability. Let’s examine how these key ingredients face the storm.
The desired hops and its vulnerabilities
The hops, that little ingredient that gives its bitter and aromatic character to beer, turns out to be a true thermometer of climate change. Traditionally cultivated in regions such as Hallertau in Germany, Yakima in the US and Žatec in the Czech Republic, today faces the challenge of reducing their crops. Science warns that, with a temperature increase of 2 ° C, production could collapse up to 20% by 2050, with changes in its aromatic and bitterness characteristics. Farmers in Yakima, who supply an amazing 75% of the American hops, already see losses that are around 15%, thanks to persistent droughts and heat waves that do not want to give in.
Barley: the liquid base that suffers in silence
The barley, another pillar of beer manufacturing, also feels the pressure of the changing climate. Essential for fermentation, its performance has diminished in several producing countries. In Canada, one of the greatest exporters, yields have fallen by 10% in the last decade, attributed to heat waves and droughts that dry the fields. In Australia, an increase in the protein content of barley has been noticed, affecting the quality to ferment. And in the regions of the North Europe, where more than half of the world’s barley is cultivated, losses of up to 7% are increasingly frequent.
The economy in pause for the weather
While the ingredients are more expensive and scarce, small and artisanal breweries feel the pressure in their pockets. The price of hops and barley has risen approximately 20% and 15%, respectively, in just five years. These increases force producers to raise their prices, with an estimated increase of 30% by 2030 if the trend persists. The good news is that science and innovation are underway to reverse the situation.
Creative responses to save beer
Before the challenge, the responsible institutions and breweries work in solutions. In Slovenia, the hops Research Institute has created a drought resistant variety called ‘Aurora’. In Canada, the barley ‘CDC Copeland’ better tolerates heat and requires less water. In addition, some producers are committed to more sustainable techniques: in Oregon, Hopworks has managed to reduce their water consumption with smart irrigation systems, and in Spain, beers the Virgin Recycla in 30% its water, taking care of both the planet and its economy.
What could the future hold for the beer world?
Much depends on the decisions we make now. The fight against climate change is not only vital to save the planet, but also for the beer tradition to remain part of our culture. The good news: a joint effort between scientists, farmers, breweries and consumers can keep alive the spark and taste of our favorite beers. Beer, like history itself, always finds a way of evolving and adapting, you just have to accompany it on that path.
