Global Wine Production Expected to Hit Record Low in 2024 Due to Climate Change
Global wine production is expected to reach record lows in 2024, with estimates between 227 and 235 million hectolitres, primarily due to climate change. France continues to produce significant amounts, while Italy leads in production. Adverse weather has heavily impacted various regions, underscoring the industry’s vulnerability to climatic changes.
Global wine production is poised to reach its lowest level since 1961 in 2024, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), which is often referred to as the “UN of Wine.” This significant decline in output is primarily attributed to climate change, marking a historically adverse year for the winemaking industry. Initial estimates suggest production will fall to between 227 and 235 million hectolitres, averaging around 231 million hectolitres, reflecting a 2% decrease from 2023, which was already a low-production year.
Despite the global downturn in wine production, France continues to hold its position as the second-largest wine producer, following Italy and preceding Spain. Adverse weather events, including heavy rains and hailstorms, have severely impacted production levels in France, leading to an output of only 36.9 million hectolitres. Notably, while the yield is considered historically low, experts anticipate that high-quality wines will emerge from regions such as Burgundy.
Conversely, Italy remains the leading wine producer with a reported harvest of 41 million hectolitres, representing a 7% increase from 2023. However, northern vineyards faced challenges from hailstorms. Spain, in third place, is projected to see an 18% increase in production, reaching 33.6 million hectolitres, despite facing significant hurdles like deadly floods in Valencia and severe inland droughts that have affected agricultural yields.
Certain countries, including the United States, Hungary, Georgia, and Moldova, have experienced more favorable weather conditions, enabling them to mitigate some impacts of climate change. In contrast, Romania and the Czech Republic have reported declines exceeding 20% due to extreme climatic events, particularly those stemming from Storm Boris, which caused extensive flooding prior to harvest season.
This year’s record low production underscores the wine industry’s vulnerability to the increasingly erratic effects of climate change. As top-producing nations such as Italy and Spain adapt, other regions continue to face severe losses, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive measures to secure the future of the global wine industry.
The global wine industry is currently facing unprecedented challenges, primarily due to the impacts of climate change. In recent years, various regions have experienced extreme weather phenomena, such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and hailstorms, which have adversely affected grape yields. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has warned that these climatic changes are having a significant adverse impact on wine production across the globe, leading to historic lows in output.
In summary, the expected decline in global wine production to its lowest level since 1961 in 2024 is largely attributable to climate change, as highlighted by the OIV. While some countries manage to adapt and increase production, others are suffering substantial losses due to severe weather conditions. As the industry continues to confront these environmental challenges, ongoing adaptations will be crucial for securing its future viability.
Original Source: www.senenews.com
