Climate Crisis Brews Trouble for Beer Ingredients

Climate change is posing substantial threats to the essential ingredients of beer, with rising temperatures and water shortages impacting barley, hops, and water availability. In response, brewers and farmers across the United States are implementing adaptive strategies to safeguard the future of this popular beverage.

One notable innovation involves the use of Kernza, a perennial wheatgrass with deep roots that sequester carbon and require less water. This climate-friendly grain, developed by organizations like the Land Institute and utilized by breweries such as Deschutes Brewery, is being explored as a sustainable alternative to traditional barley.

Simultaneously, the Pacific Northwest, a major hop-growing region, is experiencing the severe effects of drought and extreme heat. The Yakima Valley, responsible for approximately 75% of the nation's hops, relies heavily on irrigation from diminishing snowmelt in the Cascade Mountains. Scientists project a significant reduction in snowpack by the end of the century, intensifying concerns for hop cultivation.

In light of these challenges, researchers at Yakima Chief Hops are actively developing drought- and disease-tolerant hop varieties. These efforts, alongside the adoption of novel grains like Kernza, represent a critical push for innovation within the brewing industry to confront the escalating impacts of a changing climate.