Climate change is threatening the production of many foods and beverages around the world, including barley, one of the main ingredients in beer. Rising global temperatures and the intensification of extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves, are reducing agricultural production of barley, essential for the manufacture of this drink.
According to forecasts, global beer consumption could fall by around 16%, at the same time that beer prices could double due to a shortage of raw materials, explains . This impact is especially worrying for beer connoisseurs, who may face a future where beer becomes increasingly less accessible because of climate change.
The threat to alcoholic beverages is not limited to beer. Tequila production, for example, faces significant challenges due to growing demand in markets like New York and Tokyo. Although the drink itself is not in danger of disappearing, the quality may be compromised. Pressure on the production of agave, the base plant for tequila, is leading farmers to harvest it before it reaches full maturity, resulting in lower quality production.
Another food at risk is chickpeas, an essential ingredient for hummus. Countries like India, the world’s largest exporter of chickpeas, are facing frequent droughts and higher temperatures, which have been harming the production of this legume.
These are just a few examples of how climate change could transform our diets in the near future. As the global climate continues to change, ingredients that are part of our daily lives may become scarce or disappear altogether.
Protecting the environment and adopting sustainable practices are key to preserving not only the food and drink we enjoy, but also global food security. This is yet another warning about the urgency of combating climate change.
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