Global Warming’s Next Victim: Beer?

Travel Blog  •  Eva Holland  •  04.17.08 | 11:07 AM ET

imageWe’ve already noted the rise of see-it-before-it’s-gone tourism, or climate tourism. Is “drink-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism next? A scientist in New Zealand is warning that climate change could affect the growth of malting barley, both in New Zealand and neighboring Australia, thus causing a fall in beer production.

“It will mean either there will be pubs without beer or the cost of beer will go up,” Jim Salinger told the AP. For beer-loving travelers that means one thing: If you want to enjoy one last Tui or VB, it’s time to get down under. Salinger added that while he has studied only Australia and New Zealand, “similar effects could be expected worldwide.”

Which means that when the phenomenon hits home, we might soon see a fusion of “drink-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism and the increasingly popular staycation. Anyone want to come up with a term for that combo?

Related on World Hum:
* How To: Down a Pint in a Real Irish Pub
* Five Reasons Belgium Should Continue to Exist

Photo by mugley via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Tags: Food, News and Briefs

Eva Holland is co-editor of World Hum. She is a former associate editor at Up Here and Up Here Business magazines, and a contributor to Vela. She's based in Canada's Yukon territory.


1 Comment for Global Warming’s Next Victim: Beer?

Jim R. 04.18.08 | 7:13 AM ET

A beer shortage?! Global warming is finally hitting me where it hurts.

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