A new study indicates that climate change is pushing rice-growing regions beyond temperatures that have sustained rice cultivation for the past 9,000 years. Lead author Nicolas Gauthier highlights that global warming is occurring 5,000 times faster than rice has evolved, potentially reaching a “thermal limit” where rice won’t adapt easily to the rising heat. With rice being a staple for over half of the world’s population, especially in Asia, any disruptions could severely impact around 1 billion people who rely on rice farming.
The researchers emphasize that while humans can breed heat-resistant varieties and alter farming locations, these adaptations may soon hit their limits. Although rice thrives in warm climates, excessive temperatures above 104°F (40°C) can hinder photosynthesis and affect grain viability. Additionally, changing weather patterns and rising sea levels pose threats to rice cultivation, which often thrives in low-lying areas.
Gauthier notes that, throughout history, rice has expanded into cooler areas as farmers adapted practices. While climate change might allow rice to be grown in currently cooler regions, moving established fields is complicated. Shifting production could maintain overall rice output, but it won’t resolve the hardships faced by communities in South Asia that heavily depend on rice for sustenance.
Source link
