The Dark Side of the World's Staple Crop: Rice's Climate Toll Rice is more than just a food staple – it's an integral part of global agriculture and food systems.
Behind its wholesome image lies a surprising environmental truth: rice production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, rivaling those of 239 million cars annually.
The expansion of rice cultivation areas and intensification of management practices have driven the nearly doubling of greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies globally.