A new study reveals that greenhouse gas emissions from global rice paddies have nearly doubled since the 1960s, now averaging 1.1 billion tons of CO2 equivalent per year. The increase is driven by expanded cultivation areas and intensified farming practices, such as increased synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use and the plowing of crop residues into the soil. While climate-smart techniques like intermittent flooding and biochar can reduce emissions by roughly 10% by midcentury without lowering yields, researchers suggest these measures are not enough. Further innovation in soil management and regional strategies are needed to meaningfully curb the impact of rice production on global warming.
