Beer prices to spike as climate heats up, scientists warn

Beer drinkers face soaring prices for their favourite schooner due to the effects of climate change, scientists have warned.

Global warming is likely to cause a major drop in global yields of barley – a vital ingredient for brewers.

Research predicts heatwaves and droughts could cause a fall in barley yields of up to 17 percent across the leading grain-producing regions of Australia, Asia, Europe and the US.

This would trigger a spike in the price of beer, according to the study published in Nature Plants.

In a worst-case scenario of severe climate change events, the price of a six-pack of beer could rise by $28 in some countries.

“The world is facing many life-threatening impacts of climate change, so people having to spend a bit more to drink beer may seem trivial by comparison,” the study’s co-author Dr Steven Davis, of the University of California, said.

“But there is definitely a cross-cultural appeal to beer, and not having a cool pint at the end of an increasingly common hot day just adds insult to injury.”

Just 17 percent of the world’s barley crops are harvested to brew alcohol, while most of it goes to feed livestock.

If there are lower yields in the future, scientists predict hungry animals will take priority over thirsty humans.

Global warming is likely to trigger more frequent droughts in barley-growing regions such as the US northern prairies and the Asian steppe, the study said.

Wealthy beer-loving nations, such as Canada, Belgium and Denmark, would see the sharpest price rises.