In your opinion, what is the worst effect of global warming going to be?

It is definitely hard to say what the worst effect of global warming will be. People in coastal areas certainly worry about the flooding and storms that are sure to affect communities that sit in low-lying areas. This is of particular concern to the people of small island nations, which are threatened with being wiped out entirely.

Global warming has already been associated with a rise in insect populations that carry infectious diseases. Physicians worry maladies like Dengue Fever, malaria, cholera and encephalitis could become more widespread.

Animal lovers, indigenous peoples, scientists and farmers alike worry about the ways in which climate change threatens the biodiversity of forests and oceans. Plant population declines and even extinctions can affect entire food chains -- including the part of the chain that we rely on for a healthy diet and a healthy economy.

But as for the worst effect of global warming, I would have to say it's the threat to our nation's beer supply.

You see, the flower that is used to make beer bitter, known as hops, grow almost entirely in the Pacific Northwest. Climate change will make the growing season shorter, and could also lead to an increase of pests like aphids and Japanese beetles, which like to munch on hops as a snack. And because hops require so much water, any sort of drought would be absolutely devastating to large-scale farming of the plant. Put together, these affects of global warming could spell disaster for America's beer supply.

Of course, it's only my personal opinion, but global warming's threat to beer seems like something everyone can agree needs to be deterred. For more information on this topic, and how you can get involved, visit: www.SaveTheAles.org

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