Insights into the environmental–economic sustainability of rice production in China

Wang, L.; Zhang, T.; Zhou, X.; Xu, T.; Li, C.; Li, Z.; Wang, S.; Li, M.; Hong, J.; Wang, L; Zhang, T; Zhou, X; Xu, T; Li, C; Li, Z; Wang, S; Li, M; Hong, J

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145205

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Insights into the environmental–economic sustainability of rice production in China

Wang, L.; Zhang, T.; Zhou, X.; Xu, T.; Li, C.; Li, Z.; Wang, S.; Li, M.; Hong, J.

Journal of Cleaner Production 498: 145205

2025

ISSN/ISBN: 0959-6526

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145205
Accession: 095310021

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Summary

Rice plays dominant roles in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural production. However, detailed assessments and clear insights remain lacking to address the conundrum on the sustainability of rice production. This study introduces an innovative methodological framework that integrates life cycle impact assessment based economic analysis, allowing for the comprehensive quantification of energy, carbon, and water footprints. This integrated approach not only elucidates the environmental and economic dimensions of rice production but also explores the interconnections within the energy-carbon-water footprint system, providing valuable insights into the sustainability of rice production in China. Results show that the rice production in China is displaying a certain trend of green development. However, rice production still exerts a considerable environmental impact, with methane emissions reaching 204 million tons of CO2 eq. In 2020, accounting for 17.93% of the national methane emissions. In terms of water footprint, the human health impact of producing 1 ton of rice in 2020 is 3.52 × 10−4 DALY/t, which represents 72.65% of the water footprint impact of grain production. Methane, carbon dioxide, chromium, and water are key substances contributing to this environmental degradation. The proportion of external costs has already exceeded that of internal costs in 2020, reaching 55.73%. The results of the spatiotemporal analysis combined with socioeconomic factors analysis indicate a significant coupling nexus in energy–carbon–water footprint, while socioeconomic policies (e.g., the reduction of labor inputs, the transformation of agricultural development models, and the promotion of mechanization) may be potential measures to promote the environmental–economic sustainability of rice production. Driven by this coupling nexus, we can propose specific optimization measures for the key categories identified. Utilizing biodiesel can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the alternating wetting and drying irrigation model is an important strategy to address water scarcity. This study offers valuable insights into the environmental and economic sustainability of rice production in China.

Insights into the environmental–economic sustainability of rice production in China

Wang, L.; Zhang, T.; Zhou, X.; Xu, T.; Li, C.; Li, Z.; Wang, S.; Li, M.; Hong, J.

Journal of Cleaner Production 498: 145205

2025

Article/Abstract emailed within 0-6 h

Summary

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