Climate change could result in a shortage of beer as barley, one of the primary ingredients, is incredibly susceptible to extreme weather events. A new study, published in Nature Plants, found that barley crops are expected to significantly decrease in the coming years if climate change continues the way it is.
The study used weather simulations to determine both barley production and the subsequent supply of beer. It found that barley crops could decrease from anywhere between 3 and 17 percent, which would result in less barley being available for beer production, with a higher proportion of being directed to animal feed.
This would result in an increase in beer prices, although it would vary by country. For example, Ireland would face an increase in beer prices anywhere between 43 and 338 percent.
