The Effect of Global Warming on the Napa Valley, California Wine Economy
The Effect of Global Warming on the Napa Valley, California Wine Economy
Global warming will have a negative effect on the Napa Valley, California wine economy. This will be caused primarily by the gradual increase in seasonal temperatures and the resulting longer and drier growing seasons.
California revenue directly related to the Napa Valley wine industry is $16.5 billion a year (1). With the United States ranking fourth in world wine grape production with over 80% of these grapes coming from California (1). Over the last half century, in the main wine producing regions of California, Oregon and Washington, the average year round temperatures have increased by 5 degrees Fahrenheit (2).
It is generally accepted by all climatologists that the increase in temperature is attributed to human-caused greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The release of these gases into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels has been blamed for the temperature increases being seen world wide (3). There is little doubt in the scientific community that this huge economy, based on grape growing, will be affected by this slow but steady climate change. However, how this region will be affected is a matter of debate.
A hot year is normally associated with a boom year, offering a high yield of quality grapes for growers (1). However too much of a good thing can be bad. By the end of the century the increased temperature could have adverse effects on grape production and already growers in California see challenges in balancing the long growing season with the quality of the fruit being produced (3).
Initial studies on the effects of increased temperatures have shown that warming improves the quality of the wine, said Gregory Jones, an Associate Professor of Geography at the American University of Southern Oregon (4). He went on to predict that if something is not done, continued warming would change the growing environment in the future. The result of this increased
Global warming will have a negative effect on the Napa Valley, California wine economy. This will be caused primarily by the gradual increase in seasonal temperatures and the resulting longer and drier growing seasons.
California revenue directly related to the Napa Valley wine industry is $16.5 billion a year (1). With the United States ranking fourth in world wine grape production with over 80% of these grapes coming from California (1). Over the last half century, in the main wine producing regions of California, Oregon and Washington, the average year round temperatures have increased by 5 degrees Fahrenheit (2).
It is generally accepted by all climatologists that the increase in temperature is attributed to human-caused greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The release of these gases into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels has been blamed for the temperature increases being seen world wide (3). There is little doubt in the scientific community that this huge economy, based on grape growing, will be affected by this slow but steady climate change. However, how this region will be affected is a matter of debate.
A hot year is normally associated with a boom year, offering a high yield of quality grapes for growers (1). However too much of a good thing can be bad. By the end of the century the increased temperature could have adverse effects on grape production and already growers in California see challenges in balancing the long growing season with the quality of the fruit being produced (3).
Initial studies on the effects of increased temperatures have shown that warming improves the quality of the wine, said Gregory Jones, an Associate Professor of Geography at the American University of Southern Oregon (4). He went on to predict that if something is not done, continued warming would change the growing environment in the future. The result of this increased
Bibliography: 1. Knight,Danielle. "Environment: Scientist say climate change is already underway" environmental Bulletin, Feb 19, 2001 issue Tuesday, August 17, 2004 Http://news.bbc.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3572532 3 6. Sandell, Clayton, July 10, 2006. ABC News. Global Warming May Sour Wine Sales http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GlobalWarming/story?id=2173340&page=1