Scaling Business - Driven Action in Rice Value Chains

Rice is a staple for over half the world’s population and a key driver of rural livelihoods of over 1 billion people, yet its cultivation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and water use. Conventional cultivation practices release significant emissions (notably ~12% of global methane emissions) and have substantial environmental impacts globally on freshwater resources (consuming ~40% of global irrigation water), wetland ecosystems and biodiversity.  

 

Sustainable rice production systems offer multiple benefits for climate, nature, and livelihoods. At WBCSD, we envision a global rice value chain that is climate-smart, nature-positive, economically resilient, and contributes positively to food and nutrition security. Through collaborative action and science-based solutions, we aim to transform rice fields and landscapes to support both planetary and human health. Our rice value chain initiatives are driving this change