When Nature Communications warning that climate change could impact hop production, people might have looked at beer differently. Beyond the potential change in flavor, lower crop yields will impact overall costs. If breweries spend more on sourcing quality hops, that cost has to be offset somewhere. While rising food costs can create changing consumer patterns, it remains to be seen if people will skip sipping that cold one.
There have been previous warnings about climate change impacting beer, too. A 2018 study on barley, another key ingredient in beer, raised concerns about the crop production and its impact on beer costs. Even though there were spirited conversations about drinking more beer at the time, the concept seemed to be pushed aside. But climate change has a ripple effect, and higher costs to changes in taste are just some of the realities tied to the environmental issue.
Even though the latest warning might have some people running to the store to stockpile their supply, it might get people willing to be active against climate change. Many people aren’t ready for a world without beer.