Why Climate Change Should Matter to Every Beer Lover

When it comes to climate change, we often think about the impact it has on the environment, wildlife, and the world in general. But have you ever stopped to consider how climate change might affect your favorite beer? Yes, you heard it right – climate change is now starting to influence the taste and availability of beer.

Beer production relies heavily on hops, the bitter flowers that provide beer with its distinctive flavor and aroma. Traditionally, hops have been grown in Germany, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. However, these areas are now experiencing drastic weather changes, including increased temperatures and decreased rainfall, which are directly impacting the hops industry.

The consequences of these weather changes are significant. Hops production has decreased by up to 35%, directly affecting the supply of this crucial ingredient. Furthermore, higher temperatures have been shown to lower the levels of bitter acids in hops, ultimately leading to a less bitter taste in certain beers. In other words, your favorite brew might soon taste quite different, and that’s not great news for beer enthusiasts.

While breweries could try compensating for this by using more hops, it would only lead to higher demand for a dwindling resource. Consequently, higher prices and even the closure of breweries could become a sad reality. It’s clear that climate change poses a serious threat to the beer industry, and action needs to be taken.

But what can be done about this issue? Although we can’t directly control the weather or climate changes, experts have been exploring innovative approaches to maintain hops production. One recent development is the creation of hops-specific sensors, pioneered by the FOR HOPS initiative in 2021. These sensors allow farmers to stay updated on soil conditions in real-time. If the sensors indicate that the soil is too dry for hops to thrive, farmers can quickly provide the necessary water to ensure successful growth.

Other measures include experimenting with growing hops in cooler regions with increased rainfall, mitigating the risks associated with high temperatures and drought. Additionally, researchers are actively working on breeding new varieties of hops that are more resilient to weather changes and common crop issues. For instance, the Latitude 46 group in Washington is currently focusing on developing disease-resistant hop plants.

Meanwhile, many hops farms are expanding their acreage to compensate for decreased crop yields, sometimes increasing their farming area by as much as 20%. These steps are crucial in safeguarding the availability and quality of hops, and ultimately, the future of beer.

So, the next time you take a sip of your favorite brew, remember the immense impact climate change has on the beer industry. From altering flavors to threatening the very existence of breweries, it is clear that urgent action is needed. And while we may not have control over the weather, supporting sustainable farming practices and advocating for climate action can make a difference.

Let’s raise a glass to beer and to a future where we can continue enjoying our favorite hops-infused beverages without worrying about the effects of climate change.