People who still "cast doubt on the existence of climate change are outdated" according to Pancho Campo MW, president of The Wine Academy of Spain and organiser of the World Congress on Climate Change and Wine in April.

Campo added that anyone who denied climate change issues, were not aware of the facts. He said we have reached a point in which "instead of questioning the situation we should focus on taking action and finding a solution".

The wine industry, in particular, needs to be more active. Campo warned climate changes could result in a change in quality level produced by some grape varieties.

Average temperatures in wine growing regions has increased, to such an extent that grapes grown in particularly hot counties are resulting in excessive alcohol and impacting on the ripening process, and producing wines that lack aromatic complexity.

"The acidity tends to decrease, which is a drawback since a balance in acidity is a fundamental characteristic of a great wine," said Campo.

The excessive solar irradiation in some regions tends to "burn" the grapes. " All these changes hinder certain varieties by decreasing their quality since they are forced to adapt to new climate parameters which they are not accustomed to," he added.


Campo believes " the industry should adopt a much more responsible and proactive attitude". "Sustainability, environment and especially climate change are an unresolved matter that affect many regulating bodies and wineries", he explained. "We need to tackle the problem as individuals, businesses and as an industry."

Hence the need for the industry to take firm decisions at the forthcoming third World Congress on Climate Change in Marbella on April 13 and 14. It will include talks covering the lastest research and findings around the issue, including a key note address from former United Nations leader, Kofi Annan.
Harpers Wine & Spirit will also be leading a debate on how well the media covers climate change issues.

In order to fight climate change, Campo believes that we need to focus on two issues: one of prevention, which would aid in diminishing CO2 emissions as well as energy costs; and secondly, mitigation and adaptation directed specifically to vineyards and wineries.

"The economical crisis will sooner or latter pass, but the damages to the environment can be irreversible and have worst consequences than a recession", said Campo. "We are still able to prevent further damage which is why the reaction should be imminent. By doing so, we will save money and effort in the long run, but most importantly we have a moral obligation to the new generations".

Other speakers at the conference include Joao de Lima, general director of The Climate Project Spain (TCPSpain), who has recently named the president of The Wine Academy of Spain member of the board of advisors. It is an international environmental organisation created by ex vice president of the United States, Al Gore, in order to make people, businesses and government entities aware of the global warming crisis that affects our planet.

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