DON'T TOUCH MY BEER

After reviewing the content of the recent article published by the scientific journal Nature Plants on the impact that climate change will have on world beer production, the first thing that came to mind are the words of Greta Thunberg in “The Daily Show."

When being questioned by the interviewer about what she had experienced so far during her American tour, she eloquently and discerningly responded that while people in the United States spend time discussing whether or not to believe in climate change and global warming, in her home country, Sweden, they simply accept it as a reality.

In this line of disbelief and ignorance (not only found in the US) facing the environmental crisis that threatens humanity, we encounter the comment of scientist Steven J. Davis on Twitter.

In his tweet, Mr. Davis acknowledges that he is unsure what to make of the fact that, in a single day, his article on climate change and beer had received more attention than any of his previous work related to energy transitions and even to air pollution deaths.

The conclusion is clear. Regardless if we believe in it or not, as Greta says, or if we care, all the data proves that we are destroying the planet, but please, don't touch our beer.

ABOUT THE STUDY PUBLISHED IN NATURE PLANTS

In the study published in the journal Nature Plants, written by a team of scientists from China, Great Britain, the United States and Mexico, two models have been used to predict and evaluate the effects that extreme drought conditions and heat can have in the yields of barley plantations, and consequently, in the production of beer.

Based on different scenarios in which the rise in global temperatures has been predicted until 2099, researchers have also simulated the resulting barley crops.

In the best case scenario, with a temperature increase of 2°C, the crops will decrease by 10%. And in the worst case, with an increase of 4°C, by almost 17%.

As the demand for beer will remain high (most likely), there is no doubt that the costs of barley and beer production will increase. According to the aforementioned study in the global market, the cost of beer could increase in price up to four times, with strong local variations in case it is necessary to import barley from other countries. The research, however, acknowledges not having taken into account the possible effects of climate change on the taste of beer and the cultural changes that could occur.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEER FOR HUMANITY

As a reflection, I would like to take advantage of the interesting conclusions of this study. They point out that, although the effects on beer may seem inconsequential compared to many of the other impacts that climate change can generate, such as those that threaten life, there is something fundamental in the cross-cultural appreciation of beer.

I fully agree, mainly because history has shown us that for thousands of years, and even today, beer has been a very important component of social gatherings and human celebration, and that the damages - social as well as economic - that the climate impact can cause in the reduction of consumption, are obvious.

In order for us, and those who come after us, can continue celebrating and toasting with beer, I would like to urge both governments and all of us individuals, to make an effort in taking care of our planet a little more. Even if that reason would be to save our beers. 

And, if thanks to beer, and articles such as those published in The Guardian, The New York Times or Wired (to name a few), a certain interest and concern is raised for the future of this drink, and we manage to increase the number of those who want to save the earth, then we will have written another chapter on how beer has saved the world.