<p>Barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> L.) is one of the most relevant cereal crops, with global climate change (GCC) posing a major threat to malting quality over the coming decades. The negative impact of GCC on agricultural systems has become a central focus in the scientific community, with a significant increase in worldwide studies. Therefore, this work aims to comprehensively review the current status and mitigation strategies for barley crops under GCC conditions. A bibliographic review was conducted, focusing on the last decade (2014–2024), encompassing three study modalities: predictive models, controlled experiments, and field assays. The present review emphasises that the scientific community has focused on investigating the impact of the GCC on grain yield, grain quality, and abiotic and biotic stresses. A decrease in grain yield and malting quality is projected under GCC, primarily due to a shortening of the phenological phases. Hordein and starch composition are understudied issues and may be relevant for future breeding programmes. Predicting grain quality under GCC faces the challenge of modelling protein composition under the high dimensionality of edaphic and climatic conditions. Regarding mitigation strategies, plant breeding and agronomic practices are significant tools for ensuring food safety in the GCC. From the present review, it becomes clear that new insights are necessary to improve estimations, as GCC poses a significant challenge for barley breeders and crop management in the coming decades. Bridging the gap between predictive models, controlled experiments, and field assays could help achieve a holistic understanding, ensuring food security and malt quality under GCC scenarios.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>