Rice Emissions Doubled Since 1960s

A new study by environmental and agriculture scientists, including researchers from Boston College, reveals that greenhouse gas emissions from Rice>>> paddies have nearly doubled globally since the 1960s, reaching approximately 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions per year in the 2010s. This makes Rice>>>-growing the largest emissions source in agriculture outside of livestock. The increase is attributed to the expansion of Rice>>> cultivation areas, particularly in Africa>>>, and the intensification of management practices such as increased fertilizer use and leaving rice stalks in fields after harvest. Rising global temperatures further accelerate microbial activity, leading to more emissions. While existing 'climate-smart' options could reduce global Rice>>> emissions by about 10% by midcentury through practices like reduced fertilizer use, improved irrigation, and reduced tillage, greater reductions are needed. The study emphasizes that no single mitigation practice works everywhere, requiring regional assessments for effective implementation. Funding for the research was provided by entities such as the United States — United States Department of Agriculture>>>, United States — National Science Foundation>>>, and the Australian National Environmental Science Program-Climate Systems Hub.