Our Beer

We know beer is more than just fizzy water. That’s because of key ingredients, like barley or wheat, hops grown in specific temperate regions, and water.

But at a time when drought threatens water ways, when wildfires edge closer to hop fields and the unpredictable weather impacts the harvest, we know climate change threatens the very things that make our beer. Climate change will also shift the growing regions, meaning areas that grow barley or hops today might not have as bountiful yields in the future.

And not only does climate change threaten the viability of crops, it can even change the way the flavors imparted by these ingredients. Yes, climate change can change the way our beer tastes.

our breweries

In March 2021, a freak storm in Texas, which scientists have linked to climate change, caused breweries there stop producing beer for up to several weeks. Hear that? No beer!

At worst, climate change means disruptions to the beer supply. But it will also impact how much breweries charge for beer due to rising costs of ingredients and distribution, not to mention access to water. And with climate change amplifying natural disasters like wildfires, flooding, hurricanes and more, breweries and the beer we love are put in harm’s way.

Our bars

Climate change doesn’t just mean the planet is getting warmer. It has an economic impact, too. When, for example, severe weather hits, there can be flooding or tornadoes or infrastructure damage, all of which keep us away from our local. That means less beer is poured, less dollars in and less need for employees.

The warming and deforestation caused by humans means disruption to nature, which can lead to more disease passed onto the population that could – imagine this – lead to the closure of our favorite bars and restaurants.

It means paying more for beer, as prices for ingredients and distribution/shipping rise, while bars use more heat or air conditioning.

In short, climate change is going to kill your buzz.

What can I do?

Climate change seems like such an immense problem that it can feel like an impossible challenge to solve.

But we can do it. And we must. And we will. But we need everyday people — the world’s beer lovers — to get loud and get mad.

1) Talk about climate change. Most people don’t. And so it’s easy to feel like other people don’t care or don’t know. More talk leads to more education leads to more action.

2) Demand action from governments and corporations. Not just slogans. Real solution-based action. Because the solutions are already here. We need systemic — not individual — change.

3) Ask your local brewery what they’re doing to promote sustainability. Support those brewers that make it an integral part of their business. Demand that those who do not incorporate sustainability. It pays in the long run.