A research conducted by climate change experts from the University of East Anglia found that severe weather conditions triggered by climate change could affect the production of barley worldwide. This could lead to beer price hikes with consumers forced to reduce the volumes of their beer intake.
The study, published in the journal Nature Plants on Oct. 15, stated that while beer lovers from more affluent countries - Australia and Japan - could choose to pay higher when the supply diminishes, the common behavior expected for less affluent markets is for people to lessen their beer consumption instead.
The research showed that beer consumption worldwide could diminish by 16 percent during the most severe weather conditions; prices would double on average. On the other hand, beer consumption globally could decrease by 4 percent while prices could increase by 15 percent during less severe weather condition.
Overall, the global beer industry could potentially incur an average yield loss between 3 percent and 17 percent.
The study noted that a decrease in beer consumption may be highly notable in markets that consumed the most beer by volume.
At present, China is the largest beer-consuming market in the world. The country could see consumption dropped by approximately 4.43 billion liters during the most severe climate conditions.
The United Kingdom may decrease its beer consumption by between 0.37 billion and 1.33 billion liters while the price may double.
The United States could decrease by between 1.08 billion and 3.48 billion liters; Argentina by 0.53 billion liters.
During less severe weather conditions, Argentina and Canada may still decrease its beer consumption by 0.27 billion and 0.22 billion liters respectively.
Dabo Guan, one of the climate experts who conducted the research, noted that while the effect of climate change on beer supply is of less importance than other life-threatening impacts, beer is fundamental in sectors that promote cross-cultural social interaction. For instance, beer is integral to the success of interactions in various entertainment sectors.
Guan said that less consumption of beer and price hike in the future may actually be beneficial as it will promote a healthier lifestyle among heavy drinkers. Still, the study is based on how climate change would impact the production of barley which is one of the world's most important crops.
Commenting on the research, Caroline Sluyter from the Oldways Whole Grains Council said barley has more fiber than any other whole grain. The crop is also very high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, she said. She also noted that barely reduces cholesterol and helps blood sugar and strengthens people's immune system.
Overall, Sluyter said Guan and his team's research contributed to the larger picture where climate change proved to be a significant threat against the world's food supply.
