How to save an ale-ing planet
The reality of human-made climate change is amongst us. Richard Jones discovers how the beer industry is, in its own small way, helping to tackle the problem.
The nature of scientific debate and the inherent complexity of the subject means that it is virtually impossible to achieve unanimous agreement that, “global temperatures are rising as a direct result of the actions of human beings.” However while it is fair to say that not every scientist accepts this premise, the doubters most certainly belong to an increasingly lonely group.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change formed by the United Nations announced in 1997 that human beings are ‘very likely’ (90 per cent or greater probability) the cause of global warming. In the same year the Joint Science Academies of the G8 nations (plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) agreed arguing that: “It is unequivocal that the climate is changing, and it is very likely that this is predominantly caused by the increasing human interference with the atmosphere. These changes will transform the environmental conditions on Earth unless counter-measures are taken.” Many questions remain over the best way to tackle global warming. As carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for around 100 years, the environmental impact of previous generations will continue to affect the planet even if the current population curtailed all CO2 emissions immediately. However many scientists argue that reductions in CO2 today can lessen the impact of climate change and make it a more gradual process. This should, in theory, allow the population (and not just humans) time to adjust.
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By Richard Jones
Section : Beer Issues
Page number : 18
