The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has released a comprehensive new guidance document designed to help companies take effective action in reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation — one of the largest agricultural sources of greenhouse gases. This initiative marks a significant step forward in aligning corporate sustainability strategies with global climate goals and promoting low-emission practices in the agrifood sector.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a warming potential more than 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Rice production is responsible for an estimated 8% of global methane emissions, primarily due to traditional waterlogged paddy cultivation methods that create anaerobic conditions ideal for methane generation. The WBCSD’s new guidance aims to provide companies with practical tools, measurement frameworks, and mitigation strategies to address this challenge across their supply chains.
The document outlines a range of science-based approaches for reducing emissions, including alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation techniques, improved fertilizer management, and the use of methane-reducing rice varieties. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between farmers, agri-businesses, and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices at scale.
According to WBCSD, this initiative reflects growing global recognition of the agriculture sector’s critical role in climate change mitigation. While industries such as energy and transport have long been the focus of emission reduction efforts, agriculture — and particularly rice farming is now being seen as a key area for progress toward net-zero targets.
The guidance encourages companies to integrate methane reduction into their corporate sustainability frameworks, setting measurable goals and reporting transparently on progress. It also highlights the financial and reputational advantages for businesses that proactively address climate-related risks within their agricultural value chains.
Experts believe that implementing these practices could deliver significant co-benefits, including improved water efficiency, soil health, and farmer livelihoods. By promoting climate-smart rice cultivation, companies can contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience in rural communities.
In releasing this document, the WBCSD reinforces the message that effective climate action in agriculture requires shared responsibility bridging innovation, investment, and policy. As global food systems continue to evolve under the pressures of climate change, this guidance offers a clear roadmap for companies to contribute meaningfully to a lower-emission, more sustainable future for rice production worldwide.
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