The alcohol beverage industry is responsible for at least 1.5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK through creating the drinks and the use of energy in pubs, clubs and restaurants, according to the UK’s Food Climate Research Network, Life Style Extra reports.
The group points to the shift towards bottled and canned beer instead of draught as a possible cause. Other likely culprits are beverages which are supposed to be consumed cold such as white wine, lager and cider.
Global brands with their concentrated production and distribution structure makes the industry more energy efficient, but the savings are offset by growing transport related carbon emissions, according to the article.
“Simply put, if everyone cut down their alcohol consumption they could help reduce climate change – although that is on condition they do not drink Coca Cola instead or spend the money on going to the cinema for instance,” said Tara Garnett of the Food Climate Research Network.