Photo : EC.Europa.EU
12 November 2021, Friday I NIAS Europe Daily Brief #41
IN FOCUS
By Joeana Cera Matthews
Europe's Wine Industry: Impacts of Climate Change
On 04 November, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) released a statement predicting a potential fall in the production volume of wine in Italy, Spain, and France from the 2020 levels due to "late spring frost and overall unfavourable climatic conditions." It further added: "This would be the third consecutive year where the global production level is below average."
What is the issue?
The OIV statement, which collected data from 28 countries representing 85 per cent of the world production in 2020, concluded that the 2021 world wine production would range between 247.1 mhl (millions of hectolitres) and 253.5 mhl. The European Union (EU), in particular, is estimated to produce 145 mhl of wine in 2021 — a 13 percent decline from 2020's production levels. (One hectolitre is equivalent to 133 standard bottles.) Italy, Spain, and France – the three largest wine-producing countries account for 45 percent of the world's and 79 percent of the EU's wine production.
What does climate change have to do with wine production?
First, the decline in production. 'Unfavourable climatic conditions' have been cited as the reason for the fall in the production volume of wine. The past year's weather conditions were not kind, especially to Europe, which hosts the major wine-producing countries. In comparison to the 2020 levels, Italy saw a drop of nine percent in its wine production as Spain witnessed a 14 percent drop. Switzerland's crops, too, were affected by frost, followed by hail and then mildew. This contributed to the decline in its production volume, which hit a 20-year-low at 0.8 mhl. France suffered a whopping 27 percent drop. Evidently, France was the hardest hit. According to the OIV's press release: "France bore the hardest brunt of a disastrous vintage with severe frost in April, followed by summer rain, hailstorms, and mildew." Austria, Greece, Slovakia, along with several other EU countries, also showcased a negative performance with respect to 2020.
Second, the decline in quality. Unfortunately, it is not just the production volumes that saw a decline. According to Biologist Elizabeth Wolkovich, the soaring temperatures have led to a change in the taste of wine itself. The warmer temperatures create increased sugar and decreased acid in the berries – implying higher alcohol content and honey-like flavour. The OIV's Director General Pau Roca said: "(wine growers are) confronting a much greater problem than the pandemic: climate change." Jura's wine receives its characteristic properties due to the 'semi-continental climate' of the region; the warmer winters have led to premature blossoms. As Director of Fruitiere Vinicole Arbois Gabriel Dietric said: "When the winters were cold, the vines would sleep through the frost, but now with the warmer winters, they wake too early and become vulnerable." Techniques to protect the produce from the winter frosts are also being experimented by the winegrowers.
Third, the impact on livelihoods. In France's Jura, a small wine region known for its natural wine, the winegrowers suffered losses owing to the 'extreme weather conditions'. Jura is only one among the numerous wine estates that have incurred losses. The inability to earn has led to increased reports of depression as well as suicide in winemakers. The growing demand for wine despite the limited crop returns have forced winegrowers to opt for alternatives in an effort to maintain production levels. Addressing these concerns, Roca called for considering "long-term solution(s)" involving "sustainable practices" to back the winemakers. He also pointed out the industry's need to adapt.
Fourth, not wholly 'detrimental'. The hotter summers facilitated production of some varieties of wine, like the pinot noir. Facility Manager of Domaine Maire & Fils Jacques Hauller said: "... the challenge of global heating helped us a lot because we were able to make some pinot noir that won awards in the UK and France." Similarly, heavy rains in the UK helped create the 'perfect' conditions to produce sparkling wine.
What does this mean?
First, a global problem. The decline in wine production due to climate change is not an issue that is particular to Europe. The US, despite having an estimated six percent rise from 2020 levels, is expected to fall by three percent in the five-year average; the country's summer drought is being blamed for the same. Although the Southern Hemisphere saw a rise in production, this failed to compensate for Europe's loss.
Second, a 'here and now' crisis. As Roca stated, unlike the pandemic, there is no "vaccine" for climate change. To those of us who continue arguing that climate change is not a 'now' issue – this is an eye-opener. The erratic climatic conditions have begun impacting daily necessities. We need to be more sensitive to the issue at hand and deal with it soon, in order to avert huge distress to the global populace. Quoting The Economist: "There is no time to lose."
References
Samantha Lock, "Warning over 'extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather," The Guardian, 05 November 2021.
"SPEAKING FROM THE OIV'S HEADQUARTERS IN PARIS, BY WEB CONFERENCE, DIRECTOR GENERAL PAU ROCA, PRESENTED,THE FIRST ESTIMATES OF," International Organisation of Vine and Wine, 04 November 2021.
Ceylan Yeginsu, "Climate Change Threatens Wine, and a Way of Life, in Jura," The New York Times, 03 November 2021.
"The grapes are off Climate change is affecting wine flavours," The Economist, 15 July 2021.
IN BRIEF
By Vaishnavi Iyer and Padmashree Anandhan
UKRAINE
US sends in CIA director against Russian military buildup around Ukraine
On 10 November, Anthony Blinken, US secretary of State, met with Ukranian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The meeting was held amidst growing concerns of a Russian Military buildup around Ukraine. He warned Russia against using energy as a weapon stating that the US commitment to Ukrainian security is "ironclad". Russia had been accused of holding onto energy supplies to boost gas prices in Europe. As a part of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline deal, which adversely affects Ukraine's economy in gas transit fees, Germany vowed to respond to any Russian altercation against Ukraine. Previously, Kuleba insisted Germany use its "leverage" and provide a strong message against Russia. He stated that support from allies would surely deter Russia, which has already been weaponizing energy against Ukraine. The US has dispatched Bill Burns, Director of the CIA, to monitor the Russian military buildup around the border, sparking tensions of an invasion in Ukraine. ("Ukraine: US top diplomat warns Russia over military buildup," Deutsche Welle, 11 November 2021)
BELARUS
Lukashenko warns of cutting gas supplies
The standoff between Belarus and the Polish frontier has left thousands of refugees stranded in harsh conditions. A large part of the blame has been attributed to Belarus for orchestrating a crisis. As tensions within the EU run deep, the UNSC criticized Belarus for having "instrumentalized migrants" fight against the bloc. On 12 November, Alexander Lukashenko warned of cutting gas supplies against new sanctions imposed by the EU. The pipeline being referred to is the Yamal-Europe which runs across Belarus from Russia supplying gas to countries like Poland and Germany. Previously, Foreign Minister Vladimir Makeï agreed to settle the matter and attain a compromise. Contrary to Lukashenko's statement, the opposition party dismissed his threats by stating that the gas supply cuts would harm Belarus a lot more than the EU. (Alasdair Sandford, "Belarus: Lukashenko threatens to cut gas supplies if EU levies more sanctions over migrants," Deutsche Welle, 12 November 2021)
AUSTRIA
Unvaccinated Austrians to face severe restrictions upon rise in Covid-19 cases
A record of more than 11,000 Covid-19 infections was reported in the last 24 hours. Upon which the Austrian government is set to impose a national lockdown for the unvaccinated. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said that "Two-thirds of people should not suffer because others were hesitant." Till now, upper Austria that borders with Germany and the Czech Republic that has a population of 1.5 million, has the highest infection rate with lowest vaccination rate. Once the rule is passed, the unvaccinated people will be restricted from entering all the social spaces. ("Covid: Austrians heading towards lockdown for unvaccinated," BBC, 12 November 2021)
POLAND
Resolution passed against restrictive abortion ban
In a resolution passed with 374 votes against 124 and 55 absentees, MEP's condemned Poland's near abortion ban. They emphasized the illegitimate Tribunal's ruling imposing a near-total aboriton ban. The draconian law recently was associated with the death of a 30-year-old woman, identified only as Isabella. The MEPs expressed their regret over the "restrictive legislation" that prevents women from seeking safe abortion including cases of fatal abnormalities. The resolution demanded the Polish government to ensure that no other death occurs due to the restrictive abortion law. ("'No more women should die': MEPs slam Poland's near-total abortion ban," Euronews, 11 November 2021)
Poland's Independence march takes place despite ban
11 November is the day when Poland gained independence after World War I. Being the Independence Day of Poland, a long march took place in spite of a court ban. Security forces were mobilised in the capital and cities to handle the rallies. Police troops were also assigned in the borders with migrants trying to enter from Belarus. The previous year also saw the march amidst the pandemic. It differed from the present one as the supporters were treated by police with tear gas and rubber bullets. The focus on Belarus and the migrant issue might be the reason for the difference. ("Far-right Polish Independence Day march goes ahead despite court ban," Euronews, 11 November 2021)
ENERGY
A European Project aims to create energy from roads
Rolling Solar is a European project that strives to create energy in a cost-effective way from the road by using photovoltaics. It is said to have got inspired from the 800,000 kilometres road held by Germany, Belgium and Netherlands. The project cost is estimated to be EUR 5.7 million, out of which EUR 2.8 million will be funded by the European Cohesion Policy. With the help of its partner Heijmans (a real estate, construction and technology company) it has been testing three types of solar cells on the sound wall in Romalen, Netherlands. According to the innovation manager of Heijmans "a very useful solution for the energy transition, because they make double use of land and space." The long-term goals of the project are to develop sustainable cross-border collaboration and share skills across research and industry sectors. (Aurora Velez, "Solar cells on roads, a new direction for Europe's energy transition," Euronews, 09 November 2021)