Grape expectations: climate change impacts, viticulture and socio-economic systems
File(s)
Author(s)
Reyniers, Bethany
Type
Thesis
Abstract
This research investigates impacts of climate change on viticulture, with consideration for English and Welsh vineyards, and acknowledgement of the complex relationships between the social and environmental system. A systematic map was created to methodically analyse the published scientific literature on observed impacts of climate change on viticulture. This is believed to be the first of its kind on this topic and has revealed novel insights. After screening over 12,000 articles, 158 were included for full text extraction. It was found that temperature is the most observed factor (n = 147) that is increasing (n = 142) with climate change. Alongside this, timing of phenological events was found to be increasing (n = 61) whilst the response to precipitation was either decreasing or ambiguous (n = 62). Grapes were found to be increasing in sugar (n = 25) and alcohol content (n = 16) and decreasing in acidity (n = 17). Wine quality and fruit quality were found to be either decreasing or had an ambiguous response (n = 30 and n = 16 respectively), with yield also decreasing (n = 17). This poses a significant threat to grape growers and wine makers who were vastly under-represented in the literature (n = 19 and n = 8 respectively). The social-ecological system of viticulture is embedded in the concept of terroir but is also under-represented in the literature. This poses an opportunity to enhance adaptability and resilience, as viticultural stakeholders already have an appreciation for the interconnected nature of oenology. Given the emergent status of the English and Welsh wine industry, there are pertinent lessons learnt that can be extrapolated from this study that the industry would benefit from exploring further in future research, such as localised studies and further exploration of the social-ecological system.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-02-28
Date Awarded
01/03/2025
License URL
Advisor
Howe, Caroline
Collins, Tilly
Publisher Department
Centre for Environmental Policy
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Masters
Qualification Name
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)