Global greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies have nearly doubled since the 1960s, making it the largest agricultural emission source outside of livestock. This increase is driven by the expansion of cultivation areas and the intensification of fertilizer and organic matter use. Researchers suggest that climate smart practices, such as intermittent flooding and optimized fertilizer application, could reduce these emissions by 10% by midcentury. However, the study emphasizes that no single method works globally and regional strategies are necessary to balance food security with climate goals.
