Climate change to cause global beer shortage, research shows

Climate change threatens to cause a global crisis in beer supply, researchers have warned.

The effects of global warming are likely to lead to a sharp fall in worldwide crop yields of barley – an essential ingredient.

Scientists predict droughts and heatwaves could cause barley declines of up to 17 per cent in parts of Europe, Australia, Asia and the US where the grain is grown most.

As a result, the cost of beer could soar. According to the study published today in Nature Plants, the most severe kind of climate change events would see prices double.

The price of a six-pack of beer could go up by an extra £15 in some parts of the world.

Research co-author Dr Steven Davis, from the University of California, said: “The world is facing many life-threatening impacts of climate change, so people having to spend a bit more to drink beer may seem trivial by comparison.

“But there is definitely a cross-cultural appeal to beer, and not having a cool pint at the end of an increasingly common hot day just adds insult to injury.”

Only 17 per cent of global barley crops are used to brew alcohol – most of it is harvested as feed for livestock.

The research team predicted that hungry animals will be first in the queue for available barley in future decades, ahead of thirsty humans.

The lead UK author of the research Dabo Guan, professor of climate change economics at UEA’s School of International Development, said climate change may undermine the availability of “luxury” goods like beer more than staple foods.

“Although some attention has been paid to the potential impacts of climate change on luxury crops such as wine and coffee, the impacts on beer have not been carefully evaluated,” said Professor Guan.

“A sufficient beer supply may help with the stability of entertainment and communication in society,” he added.

Barley-growing regions including the northern Great Plains of the US and the Asian steppe are likely to experience more frequent droughts in years to come as a result of global warming, according to the study.

Potential average yield losses ranging from 3 per cent to 17 per cent, depending on the severity of climate change.

Beer prices were predicted to rise most in wealthy beer-loving countries such as Belgium, Canada, Denmark and Poland.