Global warming may have ‘devastating’ effects on rice

Global warming may have ‘devastating’ effects on rice

News

1. A report published in the journal Science Advances finds that due to rise of carbon dioxide, rice will lose some of its protein and vitamin content, putting millions of people at risk of malnutrition.

Important Facts

1. The report is based on the field studies in Japan and China. Report finds that Carbon dioxide presence in atmosphere would reach 568 to 590 parts per million by the second half of this century from Current levels of 400 ppm.
2. This can have devastating effects on the rice-consuming countries where about 70% of the calories and most of the nutrients come from rice.

• Countries which consume the most rice and have the lowest gross domestic product (GDP), such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia are at high risk.

1. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide can have an impact on the nutrient content of plants we eat. Protein and vitamin deficiencies can lead to Stunting growth Birth defects, Diarrhea, Infections and early death.
2. Other major findings are

• Iron, zinc, protein, and vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B9 which help the body convert food to energy were all reduced in the rice grown under higher CO2 conditions.
• Vitamin B1 levels decreased by 17.1%
• Average Vitamin B2 decreased by 16.6%