African rice cultivation linked to rising methane

TL;DR

This paper reveals that expanding rice cultivation in Africa significantly contributes to the global rise in methane emissions, highlighting its importance in climate change mitigation strategies.

Contribution

It is the first to quantify the impact of African rice cultivation on global methane emissions, emphasizing its role alongside wetlands and livestock.

Findings

African rice cultivation accounts for 7% of global methane rise.

Rice expansion in Africa is a key driver of atmospheric methane increase.

Mitigation of rice cultivation could aid climate change efforts.

Abstract

Africa has been identified as a major driver of the current rise in atmospheric methane, and this has been attributed to emissions from wetlands and livestock. Here we show that rapidly increasing rice cultivation is another important source, and estimate that it accounts for 7% of the current global rise in methane emissions. Continued rice expansion to feed a rapidly growing population should be considered in climate change mitigation goals.