Scientists at the University of East Anglia have found that global warming will lead to a decrease in the production of barley - the main ingredient in beer. As a result of droughts that will affect crops, alcohol consumption in the world will fall by 16 percent. This is reported by Science Alert.
It is known that climate change will reduce the production of coffee and wine. In a new study, experts have determined that rising global average temperatures will also affect beer availability. It is estimated that depending on the severity of the weather conditions, between 3 and 17 percent of the barley crop could be lost. This, in turn, will lead to a significant reduction in the volume of beer produced and a decrease in its consumption by 29 billion liters, which is equivalent to all beer consumed in the United States. In addition, scientists predict that prices will double on average.
The effect of global warming will be greatest in China, where beer consumption is the highest in the world. Sales of alcoholic beverage in this country are expected to decrease by 4.34 billion liters. In the UK, this figure will fall by 0.37-1.33 billion, and in the US - by 1.08-3.48 billion.
While reducing alcohol consumption can improve public health, scientists say, adverse social and political consequences cannot be ruled out. With rising prices, beer can become a luxury beyond the reach of low-income people.