Articles, on the effects of climate change caused by global warming on the ecosystem in a broad sense and on agricultural production in a narrow sense, are now very common. The title of one of the two articles written recently was very interesting. We borrowed the title of the article that questions whether vineyards, like canaries in a cage used as a sign of gas leakage in coal mines, are also a sign of agricultural collapse.
The medium, in which another article on this subject was published, was more interesting than the article itself. In its online version, the qualified technology magazine WIRED drew attention to concerns about viticulture and winemaking from a completely different sector in its article about the taste change that climate change will cause in wines.
Despite all our efforts as a human species, we are mortal and our average life expectancy has been extended to 70-80 years. Authorities say that this period will not undergo a radical change in the very short term. They also keep the possibility open that longer periods will be on the agenda in the medium term. Therefore, we, the singular examples of our species, see no harm in denying change if we do not see change at the pace we want. Global warming is a good example on this subject. Let's give an example of this if you wish.
The U.S.A. spreads over a wide geography. In this geography, there are temperate regions, generally located in the southern part of the country, that stand out with their viticulture. The state of Michigan, located in the north of the country, was not among the regions known for viticulture in the 1950s. At that time, there was no professional viticulture in this region. When we come to the 2020s, we see that the famous Riesling wines are produced in the state of Michigan and have become a sought-after product on the shelves. In other words, over the past 70 years, global warming has turned a state where viticulture was not possible before into a state that produces quality wine. If we remember the 70-80 years that we take as the average life expectancy, we are talking about a cycle that lasts one generation, and when we look at active working life, we are talking about a cycle that lasts approximately two generations.
This year, the amount reached in the wines produced by England itself appeared as a news headline in the press. In recent conversations, we have heard talk about the negative effects of climate change on the products of the Champagne region, which gave its registered name to champagne. Statements were made stating that the British lands on the opposite coast of the English Channel are increasingly becoming more likely to produce champagne because their soil structures are very close to each other. In the lands we live in, Turkish producers have begun to experience the years when the harvest time comes 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
In short, global warming, or whatever we call it, the change we are experiencing in the climate, has almost reached the critical threshold that could create radical changes in our agricultural production, especially viticulture. As always, it is possible for humans to adapt to life and integrate this ability into life systematically with the help of scientific tools. But the time window for implementing this work is running out. Moreover, due to the inevitable effects of this change, some regions that are considered Premium will not be able to maintain these features. The elite products of these regions will no longer be able to provide products with the performance expected from them. In this respect, the suggestion of the writer in WIRED magazine to keep the cellars full contains an ironic grain of truth.
But still, let’s not be over pessimistic. Climate change will enable the emergence of new Premium regions in different geographies. The great progress made by the Netherlands and Sweden in viticulture are vivid examples of this. We always have reason to be optimistic, but we should not forget that the reason we suffer heavy losses is our greed.
Below are the links to the two articles we referenced in the article:
https://murderiseverywhere.blogspot.com/2023/08/canary-in-coal-mine.html
