A new study reveals that greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies have nearly doubled since the 1960s, now averaging 1.1 billion tons of CO2-equivalent annually. This makes rice the largest agricultural emission source outside of livestock, driven by expanded cultivation areas and intensified fertilizer use. While climate-smart farming techniques like intermittent flooding can reduce methane, they may increase nitrous oxide emissions. Researchers suggest that current best practices could cut emissions by 10% by mid-century, but more aggressive strategies are needed to meet climate goals.
