Many of us were the only kids who grew up with Environmental Education being a mandatory subject in our school syllabus, learning about how unwise human actions had an effect on the climate. And as a child, I was really concerned about climate change affecting my favourite fruit – mango’s production. Now as an adult, I am learning about the effects of climate change on even my preferred alcoholic beverages and it breaks my adult heart just as much as the pressing issue broke my baby heart.
Because of global warming, the days are getting warmer and the winters shorter. Earth is running out of safe water and different regions around the world are facing destructive droughts. All this has impacted the production of our crops, including barley, wheat, corn, potatoes and wine which are essential in producing the liquor we love.
Due to barley crops being affected, whiskey and beer are in the red zone. Barley yields are being affected by the rising hot temperatures and shortage of water. And the erratic weather conditions are having a direct effect on the whiskey aging process. Whiskey will most definitely lose the flavour it is cherished for in the next 10 years. On the other hand, shortage of barley supply will increase the prices of beer production which in turn will increase the market prices of the beverage. Because of this, beer consumption is expected to go down by 20% in the coming 5 years.
Potatoes are to thank for every sip of our precious vodka. With a low potato yield, the vodka production is expected to take a hit all over the world. As for the brands that use corn or wheat, the news is much worse. The wheat yields are expected to drop by 20% in the next five years.
And now comes our delectable wine. Due to rising temperatures, wine producers are using different varieties of grapes to continue with the production process. The massive change in the planet’s temperature is affecting the yield of the popular wine grapes, so be prepared to pour yourself a glass of your favourite wine that tastes very different from how you remember it.
Sad, right? Well, do everyone a favour and do your bit to save our earth and your favourite daaru. Because I am definitely going to do my bit to save my frothy chilled glasses of beer.
