Rice paddies produce food for billions and lots of methane
Briefly

Methane emissions from rice cultivation have surged, with a recent inventory revealing that the total reached over 39 million metric tonnes in 2022. This figure is a stark increase from previous estimates, highlighting that just five countries account for over 75% of these emissions. The new data calls for urgent global attention to mitigate the effects of these potent greenhouse gases, especially as traditional agricultural practices continue to contribute heavily to climate change.Global initiatives may need to focus on innovative agricultural techniques to reduce methane outputs.
According to recent data, global methane emissions from rice paddies reached over 39 million metric tonnes in 2022, indicating a significant rise in greenhouse gas contributions.
Five countries alone comprise more than 75% of the methane emissions derived from rice cultivation, highlighting a concentrated source of environmental impact that warrants international attention.
This new inventory provides compelling evidence that previous estimates of rice-related methane emissions were considerably underestimated, urging for updated approaches to methane management in agriculture.
The findings underscore the urgent need for countries to adopt innovative agricultural practices aimed at reducing methane production from rice fields, in line with global climate goals.
Read at Nature
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