It’s important to consider the environmental impact of our dining choices, as even the best choices can have carbon emissions. Traditional rice cultivation, involving annual flooding of fields, releases methane, a gas with 28 times the warming potential of CO2. According to author Mike Berners-Lee, one kilogram of rice generates 2.2 lbs. of CO2e, translating to 1.69 lbs. per dry cup of rice.
Despite this, rice remains a sustainable choice, providing 20% of the world’s food energy while only contributing 3.5% of its carbon footprint. New agricultural methods that reduce emissions are being adopted in the U.S. and Asia, where rice is a staple in virtually every meal.
Print and share We Earthling posters to inspire others with stories about nature and the difference each of us can make.
