This story may already be a few weeks old, but the fact that climate change could affect beer production cannot be overlooked. Jim Salinger is a scientist from New Zealand, where the sheep-to-person ratio has halved in the past 20 years, down to 10-to-1. I mention this only because New Zealand’s very own website states that the myth of the 20-to-1 ratio “is a commonly heard statement about New Zealand, frequently in anticipation of yet another sheep joke.” I, myself, know approximately only one sheep joke, but I’d be happy to hear plenty more. But anyway, Jim Salinger is a scientist in New Zealand and he has a dire prediction concerning the effects of global warming on beer production.

Salinger, speaking to the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (which seems like a wonderful place to get a degree), stated that dry climate in Oceania would decrease the amount of malted barley produced, which in turn means, “either there will be pubs without beer or the cost of beer will go up.” [news.com.au] And this, my friends, is a tragedy.

If you value your beer, I suggest you and find out what causes global warming, and for God’s sake, stop doing those things!!! And if not for you, or for me, do it for the children.