"Rice is to blame for around 10 percent of global emissions of methane, a gas that over two decades, traps about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide. Scientists say that if the world wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rice cannot be ignored," says a tweet containing a video report from Agence France Presse, citing the 'study.'
VIDEO: Rice is to blame for around 10 percent of global emissions of methane, a gas that over two decades, traps about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide. Scientists say that if the world wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rice cannot be ignored. pic.twitter.com/46GgkaGPgK
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 16, 2023
According to Summit News, the Food and Agriculture Organization notes that “rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world. Over 50 percent of the world population depends on rice for about 80 percent of its food requirements. About 95 percent of the global output of rice is produced and consumed in developing countries.”
"Rice -- Asia's principal staple -- is to blame for around 10% of global emissions of methane, a gas that over two decades traps about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide," AFP reported this week. "Usually associated with cows burping, high levels of methane are also generated by bacteria that grow in flooded rice paddies and thrive if leftover straw rots in the fields after harvest. The message from scientists is: Rice cannot be ignored in the battle to cut emissions."
The report continued:
Unlike other crops, rice paddies have a layer of standing water, so there is no exchange of air between the soil and the atmosphere, explained Bjoern Ole Sander, a senior scientist at the IRRI in Hanoi.
These conditions mean different bacteria are active in rice, compared to wheat or maize fields.
"And these bacteria eat organic matter and produce methane," he said.
So, suddenly, rice production is a problem for the planet despite the fact that humans have been growing it for centuries.
Needless to say, countless Twitter users responded to the faux academic report with a mixture of humor, sarcasm, and incredulity.
"Banning rice would kill tens of millions of innocent people. I'm starting to think it's never been about saving the planet," one user wrote.
Banning rice would kill tens of millions of innocent people.
I'm starting to think it's never been about saving the planet . . . https://t.co/Sz1bcbQM49
— Johnny Rotten's American Cousin (@EERCANE) April 16, 2023
"This is sinister. Removing rice or wheat from production would trigger global famine. We need to start recognizing voices pushing this agenda so we push back on this nonsense," another wrote.
This is sinister. Removing rice or wheat from production would trigger global famine. We need to start recognizing voices pushing this agenda so we push back on this nonsense. @wef #2030agenda
— WiseOldOwl (@RealAlexLucio) April 16, 2023
— slimjim (@slimjim33_33) April 16, 2023
"Honestly we should just stop eating," another user said snidely.
Honestly we should just stop eating.
— Cody (@BlueCollarBTC21) April 17, 2023
"'Scientists' should come up with better solutions than starving half of the planet," another noted.
“Scientists” should come up with better solutions than starving half of the planet.
— Check Mark Prime (@PrimeCheckMark) April 16, 2023
"Oh no, rice distribution warehouses are about to start mysteriously exploding," another user said, likely a reference to dozens of strange fires and explosions in North America and beyond of food production facilities.
Oh no, rice distribution warehouses are about to start mysteriously exploding.
— Carolina Brew (@deeplens) April 16, 2023
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