π¨ Wine lovers, we have some bad newsβ¦
π· Climate change could now be threatening your favourite drink.
In its ancient birthplace of Georgia, worsening storms are devastating vineyards. Hereβs what that means for the future. π§΅
π· Climate change could now be threatening your favourite drink.
In its ancient birthplace of Georgia, worsening storms are devastating vineyards. Hereβs what that means for the future. π§΅
πΎ Meet Solomon, whose family has been growing grapes for years in Georgia.
βοΈ In August, a huge hailstorm wiped out his harvest and cost $200,000 in lost revenue.
π΄ Storms in the region aren't new - but they're getting more intense, leaving farmers worried for their futures.
βοΈ In August, a huge hailstorm wiped out his harvest and cost $200,000 in lost revenue.
π΄ Storms in the region aren't new - but they're getting more intense, leaving farmers worried for their futures.
π° A decade ago, Solomonβs family also started planting nuts - a hardier and more profitable crop according to @RD_Georgia.
π Now about 100 Kakheti grape producers have also made the switch to protect themselves against the effects of global warming.
news.trust.org/item/202110300β¦
π Now about 100 Kakheti grape producers have also made the switch to protect themselves against the effects of global warming.
news.trust.org/item/202110300β¦
π¬πͺ But wine and grapes make up about 9% of Georgia's exports.
π So the government is stepping in to help farmers - with hail-blasting rockets.
π§οΈ These shoot silver iodide into the sky to stop ice forming in clouds, ensuring it falls as rain and saving grape crops.
π So the government is stepping in to help farmers - with hail-blasting rockets.
π§οΈ These shoot silver iodide into the sky to stop ice forming in clouds, ensuring it falls as rain and saving grape crops.
π¬πͺ The @ModGovGeβs system is run by contractor @StcDelta, which uses radar and weather forecasts to decide where and when to shoot rockets.
π They claim to have avoided roughly $28m in agricultural damage over the past 3 years.
β But scientists say it has blind spots.
π They claim to have avoided roughly $28m in agricultural damage over the past 3 years.
β But scientists say it has blind spots.
βοΈ In late summer, grapes are ripe but hail clouds form at higher altitudes and rockets must travel further to make impact, says expert Khatuna Elbakidze.
π© Some farmers are also less enthusiastic.
"They shoot rockets and it still hails," said 79-year-old grower Isabel.
π© Some farmers are also less enthusiastic.
"They shoot rockets and it still hails," said 79-year-old grower Isabel.
π° After the summer hailstorm, the government pledged to buy damaged grapes and pay about $950 per hectare to affected farmers.
π± Subsidies already support thousands of growers exposed to climate threats.
π¨ Yet critics say the costs are unsustainable.
π± Subsidies already support thousands of growers exposed to climate threats.
π¨ Yet critics say the costs are unsustainable.
πΈ@GfaGeorgia head Nino Zambakhidze says government insurance money should go to helping farmers adapt to climate change.
β Winemaker John Wurdeman believes new weather stations or loans for anti-hail nets and hot water cannons are also better solutions. news.trust.org/item/202110300β¦
β Winemaker John Wurdeman believes new weather stations or loans for anti-hail nets and hot water cannons are also better solutions. news.trust.org/item/202110300β¦
π° At #COP26, developed countries are in talks to mobilise at least $100bn per year for developing countries to tackle the climate crisis.
π€ Where do you think funds could go?
π€ Where do you think funds could go?
π· Despite the challenges, Georgian farmers are not giving up yet.
π Pressure from his brother hasn't convinced Solomon to replace the vines his father planted.
"We've invested too much money and work to just cut it all down," he said.π news.trust.org/item/202110300β¦
π Pressure from his brother hasn't convinced Solomon to replace the vines his father planted.
"We've invested too much money and work to just cut it all down," he said.π news.trust.org/item/202110300β¦
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