Global Rice Paddy Greenhouse Gas Emissions Double Over Six Decades
Global Rice Paddy Greenhouse Gas Emissions Double Over Six Decades
US · Published May 22, 2026
A recent study published in Nature highlights a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions from global rice paddies over the past 60 years.
The research attributes this rise to the expansion of rice cultivation areas and intensified residue incorporation practices.
Using data from 1960 to 2020, the study analyzed the impact of various agricultural practices, including residue return, irrigation methods, and fertilizer applications, on emissions.

Why It's Important?

The doubling of greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies poses significant risks to global climate goals. Methane and nitrous oxide, potent greenhouse gases, contribute to global warming and climate instability. Regions heavily reliant on rice cultivation, such as Asia, are particularly affected, as these emissions exacerbate local air quality issues and environmental degradation. The study underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate these risks. Without intervention, the continued rise in emissions could undermine efforts to limit global temperature increases, impacting ecosystems and human livelihoods worldwide.

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