Beer Warning

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - A scientist is warning that
climate change could make beer more expensive -- especially in
Australia.
Climate scientist Jim Salinger says climate change will likely
cause a decline in the production of malting barley, a key
ingredient in beer, in parts of Australia and New Zealand.
That decline would force rises in the price of the grain.
Salinger says climate change could cause a drop in beer production
within 30 years, especially in Australia, as dry areas become drier
and water shortages get worse.
Salinger says beer could get more expensive -- and some pubs
might have to go without.
Brewers say they're already feeling the pinch of rising prices.
One industry executive says barley growers are grappling not only
with climate change, but also with competition from other
industries using land, like the dairy industry.