129. Rice

A staple food for over half the world population, rice is perhaps one of the most universally enjoyed foods. But recently, as India enacted an export ban on rice and other countries have considered the same, global prices have spiked, Americans began panic buying, and many farmers and consumers around the world have suffered the consequences. At the root of the problem is climate change. Today, we explore how climate change impacts rice, why rice has a surprisingly high impact on climate change, and what common sense solutions could make rice farming more sustainable in the future. With special guest Dr. Sonali McDermid: Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at New York University. Now more than ever, The Sweaty Penguin needs your help to continue! Support the show and unlock exclusive merch, bonus content, and more for as little as $5/month at patreon.com/thesweatypenguin. CREDITS Writers: Ainsley Jane Tambling, Hallie Cordingley, Velina Georgi, Ethan Brown Fact Checker: Alia Bonanno Editor: Saige Gipson Producers: Ethan Brown, Hallie Cordingley, Shannon Damiano, Megan Antone Ad Voiceover: Mo Polyak Music: Brett Sawka