Get your wallets ready. The price of beer may increase up to 34 percent in the U.S. because of climate change’s damaging effects on barley production - one of beer’s main ingredients. Research published by University of East Anglia found that if greenhouse gas emissions continue on their current trajectory, climate change will threaten production of so-called luxury crops like barley and coffee.
Director of the Brewer’s Association, Paul Gatza, told Bloomberg Environment, “As extreme weather circumstances grow on the planet, we may see barley growing regions shift, but they will be replaced by other growing areas.” Gatza said that the industry knows a big change is coming, so they are focusing on how to prepare for it.
Globally, this could mean a 16% drop in beer consumption, and it’s not like wine will be a cheap alternative. Grapes meant for wine production are another luxury good cited by Bloomberg that is likely to be affected by changes in prioritization of crop production.
Other countries are likely to face a greater price hike that the U.S. in times of severe drought. Forbes reported that Ireland, a country perhaps most well-known for it’s beer consumption, could see a $20 price increase per six pack. If price hikes are put in action, beer will most likely no longer be an affordable drink of choice for millions of people around the world — including college students.
