There are still those who think the climate crisis means little more than a slight increase in thermometers. However, according to hundreds of thousands of studies, this crisis is already over. Affects almost all areas the lives of humans, animals and even ecosystems. A study published this Tuesday in the scientific journal ‘Nature’ shows nothing more and nothing less. beer among collateral victims climate change. Experts warn that if this situation continues, production of the hops needed to make this drink and the compound that gives it its characteristic bitter taste could fall dramatically over the next three decades.
Research led by the Czech Academy of Sciences makes the following predictions. In the context of the current climate crisis and the predictions of how this phenomenon will progress on European soil in the coming years, A decrease between 4% and 18% is expected in production aromatic hops and, on the other hand, some aromatic compounds ranging from 20% to 31%. characteristic bitter taste of beer.
Spain could face 35% drop in hops production
The main people affected by this phenomenon include Countries like Spain stand outThere can be a decline in hop production of up to 35% in just a few decades. They also draw attention to the examples of Germany and Slovenia, which are currently prominent in the world. the two largest producers in both the hop and beer worlds.
historical loss
The analysis also examines how the continent’s major brewers have improved in recent years. They are already experiencing loss of productivity is due to the climate crisis. To understand this, you only have to look at how the harvest of these plants has changed over the last fifty years. “Now compared to before 1994, hop ripening begins 20 days earlier and production decreased by almost 0.2 tonnes per hectare and per year,” explains the team led by researcher Martin Mozny.
“Hop ripening begins 20 days earlier and their production decreases by almost 0.2 tonnes per hectare and per year.”
Last year, before going any further, many producer associations had already issued warnings. losses more than 30% Due to the impact of drought on the continent. I also look at how the current situation may make it more difficult to grow certain hop varieties and therefore affects the production of certain brands This popular drink (or its flavors)
Seeing the current panorama and, above all, considering what may happen in the future, experts demand a drawing be made. road map for protecting hop plants And save on beer in the face of the climate crisis. Among the recommended measures, for example, growing varieties that are more resistant to harsh weather conditions stands out; improvement in planting practices and irrigation practices; and protecting crops from extreme climate and temperature.