Rice (Oryza sativa L.) occupies 11% of global cropland and serves as a crucial staple food for nearly 50% of the world’s population. As the global population continues to grow, rice production must increase by approximately two million tons per year to ensure food security. However, rice paddies significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, producing 30% of global agricultural methane and 11% of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. N2O is not only a potent GHG but a predominant stratospheric ozone (O3)-depleting substance. In addition, GHG emissions from rice cultivation can exacerbate climate change, further threatening rice production and soil health. To address these climate-agriculture feedback effects warrant, it is essential to implement climate-smart agronomic strategies that promote high rice yields while minimizing GHG emissions. This harmonization is vital for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of global rice production.

By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to boost the productivity and resilience of rice, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and achieving climate-smart rice production goals. Recent advancements have concentrated on selecting high-yield, stress-resistant rice varieties and optimizing cultivation techniques and soil management practices to enhance grain yield and reduce greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously. These innovations significantly enhance the adaptability and survival of rice under extreme climate conditions. In addition, optimizing fertilizer application and water management practices improve resource use efficiency and alleviate the negative environmental impacts of rice cultivation. Implementing climate-smart rice production strategies will not only support sustainable agricultural development but also increase incomes of farmers. To further achieve these goals, it is crucial to encourage government support and promote collaboration among research institutions, facilitating policy development and technological innovation to drive the sustainability of rice industry.

For the present Research Topic, we invite critical reviews, field observations, modelling, and data-model integration focused on climate-smart agronomic practices that promote sustainable rice development. This Research Topic will primarily cover the following scientific areas:

1) Investigating the impacts of climate change factors (such as CO2, O3, aerosols, extreme climate events, and global warming) on rice production, including but not limited to grain yield and quality, plant physiology, etc.;

2) Assessing the feedback effects of rice production on climate change, particularly through GHG emissions;

3) Optimizing climate-smart rice production strategies to tackle the challenges of climate change adaptation and mitigation;

4) Exploring diverse research approaches to deepen our understanding of the interactions between rice production and climate change.

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Interactions Between Rice Production and Climate Change