Climate Change Threatens Europe’s Beer: Experts Warn of Rising Temperatures Impact on Hops
There’s nothing quite like a cold beer on a warm day. But your favorite Pilsner, Lager, and Pale Ale could be at risk from climate change, warn experts.
A new study suggests that some of Europe’s prominent beer-producing regions may experience a significant reduction in hop production and quality. This could lead to price increases or even supply shortages, according to scientists.
Beer, the world’s third most widely consumed beverage, is made from water, barley, yeast, and hops. Hops, used for flavor, contain alpha acids that give beer its unique bitter aroma and affect its quality.
Researchers collected data on beer hop yield and alpha content between 1971 and 2018 from 90% of the European beer hop growing regions, including Germany, Czechia, and Slovenia. They found that hops now ripen 20 days earlier compared to before 1994, shifting the critical ripening period towards the warmer part of the season, which negatively impacts the alpha acid content.
Analysis shows that hop production has declined by almost 0.2 tonnes per hectare per year, and the alpha bitter content has decreased by about 0.6%. By combining historical data with climate models, researchers estimate that beer hops yield could be reduced by up to 18%, and alpha acid content could be reduced by up to 31% by 2050.
The southern hop growing regions, such as Tettnag in southern Germany and Celje in Slovenia, are expected to experience the largest declines. These regions are known for producing popular beer styles, including Bitters, California Blonde Ale, Red Ale, Pilsner, Lager, American Amber Ale, and Pale Ale, which heavily rely on the Tettnanger hop.
Dr. Martin Mozny, a study collaborator, explained that a drop in alpha content would require more hops for production, increasing the cost. “The taste is not affected, only the price,” he said. “The availability of hops to brewers is already a problem due to more frequent crop failures. Our simulations show that the situation will worsen, hence the risk of a shortage on the market.”
The authors, from the Czech Academy of Sciences, emphasize the need for traditional beer hop farming practices to adapt to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. They state in the journal Nature Communications, “Changes in alpha bitter acids affect the quality of hops, and there has been a recent change in consumer preference towards beer aromas and flavors that heavily depend on high-quality hops. There is a serious risk that much of this production will be affected by individual heat waves or drought extremes that are likely to increase under global climate change.”
Climate change poses a significant threat to Europe’s beer industry, with rising temperatures impacting hop production. The need for adaptation in farming practices is crucial to preserve the supply and quality of beer in the future.
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