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🗞️ Driving the news: Climate change is increasingly threatening the production of some of Europe’s most cherished alcoholic beverages, including prosecco, pálinka, and Guinness
• Extreme weather events like heavy rains, droughts, and storms are disrupting traditional methods of production, leading to altered flavors or reduced availability
• Producers are exploring protective measures and alternative ingredients to adapt

🔭 The context: Heritage drinks are especially vulnerable as climate change exacerbates soil erosion, shifts weather patterns, and alters growing seasons
• For example, prosecco vineyards in Italy face soil degradation and water scarcity, while Hungarian pálinka producers struggle with unpredictable frosts and droughts affecting fruit crops
• In the UK, beer production is threatened by reduced hop yields due to warmer and drier conditions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These disruptions not only threaten cultural heritage and economic stability but also highlight broader agricultural vulnerabilities due to climate change
• The potential loss or alteration of iconic drinks could affect local economies, traditions, and biodiversity
• The issue underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices and climate adaptation strategies

⏭️ What's next: As climate impacts worsen, producers may need to develop more climate-resilient crop varieties and innovate with new farming techniques
• Research into alternative ingredients, like using kiwi fruit for pálinka or drought-resistant hops for beer, will become increasingly critical
• Ongoing collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers will be essential to preserve these traditional beverages

💬 One quote: “You could be with the most efficient brewery or distillery in the world, but it’s still not going to mitigate your risk if there’s a drought,” said Michael Alexander, Diageo’s global head of water, environment, and agriculture sustainability

📈 One stat: Prosecco production in Italy could be reduced by up to 20% due to extreme weather and soil degradation

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