Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Climate Change-Driven Floods Significantly Reduce Global Rice Yields
Floods caused by climate change are making it harder to grow rice.
A new study found that since 1980, floods have made us have less rice globally, about 4.3% less on average!
Some places, like the East Coast of China, lost even more rice.
This is a big problem because it could make it harder for people to get enough food and could even make rice more expensive for everyone.
Scientists are saying we need to find ways to grow rice that can handle floods better to make sure we have enough food in the future.
Extreme floods caused by climate change have reduced global rice yields by an average of 4.3% between 1980 and 2015.
Since 2000, yield losses have increased due to more frequent extreme flood events.
China's East Coast experienced a 14% reduction in rice yield, with the Amazon, Yangtze, and Mekong River Basins most affected by prolonged submergence.
These yield reductions impact food security and could potentially destabilize global rice prices.
The study highlights the need for flood-resistant rice varieties and adaptation strategies to mitigate future risks to rice production.
- Who
- Researchers led by Zhi Li and Anna Josephson
- What
- A study revealed that extreme floods have significantly reduced global rice yields due to climate change
- When
- The study analyzed data from 1980 to 2015, noting an increase in yield losses since 2000
- Where
- Worldwide, with specific mention of China's East Coast and river basins like Amazon, Yangtze, and Mekong
- Why
- Climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events, leading to increased instances of flooding that submerge rice crops for extended periods, impacting food security
Climate Change Activists
Climate Change Skeptics
Impact on Food Security
Climate Change Activists
Climate change-driven floods are causing significant reductions in global rice yields, threatening food security.
Climate Change Skeptics
The study may overstate the impact of climate change on rice yields, and other factors could be at play.
- Publication
- Science Advances
- Time Period Studied
- 1980-2015
- Global Yield Reduction (Average)
- 4.3%
- China's East Coast Yield Reduction
- 14%
- Duration of Submergence for Extreme Floods
- 7+ days
- Prevalent Flood Basins
- Amazon, Yangtze, and Mekong River Basins