The climate crisis brings with it a host of unpleasant consequences. The melting of glaciers, excessive droughts or the loss of certain species of plants and animals are very often mentioned. Now experts speculate that if farmers do not adapt to the new weather conditions, the brewing industry will also suffer from climate change. Fans of the drink will feel the difference in both taste and price.

According to research, global warming is affecting the abundance and quality of hop crops and breweries will suffer because of this. Hops, the main ingredient of beer, may worsen significantly in terms of quality. The quantity will also drop. As a result of climate change, the price of beer will rise drastically and farmers responsible for growing hops will have to adapt their cultivation methods to the current situation.

Scientists speculate that if farmers do not adapt their cultivation methods to warmer and drier weather, European hop yields will decrease by 4-18% in less than 30 years. The alpha-acid content of hops, which gives the drink its characteristic taste and aroma, will also fall by 20-31% over the same period.

Beer is the third most popular type of beverage in Europe. It is surpassed only by water and tea, which rank first and second. Its phenomenon lies in the quality of its ingredients. The beverage is made through a fermentation process and is flavoured with the aromatic hops.

Recently, the craze for exquisite craft beers has returned, which has contributed to an increased demand for high-quality hops. Unfortunately, crop yields are declining instead of increasing. The biggest loss in Europe will be felt by beer drinkers in Slovenia and Germany.

Source: The Guardian