Discoveries

October 25, 2023

Save That Brew

Beer is going to change in taste and become more expensive because of climate change, Sky News reported.

In their study, scientists focused on the growth of hops, one of the critical ingredients in beer that gives it its unique taste and aroma.

They explained that hops are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly the increasing frequency of agricultural droughts.

Hops are grown in various regions across Europe, and they are responsible for the citrus, floral, and fruit aromas found in many beer varieties.

However, these regions are now facing challenges as changing climate conditions are affecting hop production.

Researchers predict a decline in hop yields ranging from 12 percent to 35 percent from 2021 to 2050 in key hop-growing areas in Europe. The United Kingdom, along with countries like Slovenia, Portugal, and Spain, is expected to be particularly affected by these decreases in hop production.

To mitigate these potential consequences, the team recommended that farmers and the beer industry should find ways “to adapt” to limit the impact of the heating globe on the crops.

This would include expanding the areas where aroma hops are grown by about 20 percent compared with current production areas. Such measures could help stabilize the international beer market, ensuring that the beverage’s quality and availability are not significantly compromised because of climate change.

This story originally appeared in the October 25, 2023 newsletter, Failing a State.