Climate change impacts barley production, global beer supply

The U.S. could see a 20 percent decline in beer consumption as beer prices increase worldwide.

A selection of beer packs with varying prices at Target. (Credit Brooke Becton/Annenberg Media)

By Lulit Tadesse

As the conditions for global warming worsen, their effects have increased the frequency of extreme heat waves and droughts. Barely is an extremely heat-sensitive crop that cannot survive in such an intensely dry environment. A recent study estimates that losses of barley yield could be as high as seventeen percent in the near future, causing the price of beer to rise as a result.

Reporter: Lulit Tadesse