Climate Change is Affecting Rice–Here’s What Plant-Based Eaters Should Know
Rice is a staple in many plant-based diets around the world — and for good reason. It’s affordable, filling, gluten-free, and pairs well with everything from lentils to leafy greens. But new research shows that climate change is making rice more toxic, raising serious concerns for anyone who regularly eats this grain.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that rising temperatures and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are increasing the amount of inorganic arsenic in rice1. That’s a big deal because arsenic is a known carcinogen and can contribute to a range of chronic health issues, especially for children.
If you follow a plant-based lifestyle and include rice in your meals, here’s what you need to know — and how you can continue to eat well and stay safe.
Why Is There Arsenic in Rice?
Rice is grown in water-flooded fields, or paddies, which creates a low-oxygen environment ideal for bacteria that release arsenic from the soil. Rice roots then absorb this arsenic, and it accumulates in the grains we eat.
As climate change accelerates, with higher temperatures and more CO₂ in the air, rice plants grow more roots, and soils become more biologically active. The result? More arsenic ends up in the rice.
The recent study looked at 28 popular rice varieties grown across Asia, where rice is a dietary cornerstone. Researchers found that, under worst-case climate conditions, inorganic arsenic levels could rise by up to 44%. That’s enough to pose a cancer risk for millions of people by 2050, especially those who eat rice daily2.
Why It Matters for Plant-Based Eaters
For many following a plant-based or vegan diet, rice is more than just a side dish — it’s a go-to whole grain and base for bowls, stir-fries, burritos, and more. But with higher arsenic levels predicted, especially in regions already struggling with food safety, we must be more mindful about how often and what kind of rice we eat.
Children and infants are most vulnerable, especially those who consume rice-based cereals or snacks. But adults who rely heavily on rice may also be at risk over time.
What Can You Do to Minimize the Effects of Arsenic?
The good news? You don’t have to give up rice altogether. Here are some science-backed ways to reduce arsenic exposure, while still enjoying your favorite plant-based meals:
Choose Low-Arsenic Rice Varieties
- Basmati rice (from India and Pakistan) and jasmine rice (from Thailand) tend to have lower arsenic levels.
- Avoid brown rice from regions like the U.S. South, which may contain more arsenic due to historical pesticide use.
Rinse and Cook It Right
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to wash away surface arsenic.
- Use a 6:1 water-to-rice ratio, then drain the excess water — this cooking method can reduce arsenic by up to 60%.
Mix It Up
- Rotate with other whole grains like quinoa, millet, barley, bulgur, farro, or wild rice (technically a grass).
- Try wheat berries, amaranth, or sorghum in grain bowls or soups for variety and extra nutrients.
Support Sustainable Farming
- Look for rice labeled as sustainably grown using alternate wetting and drying (AWD) methods, which reduce arsenic and methane emissions. Supporting farmers who adopt these practices helps promote climate-smart agriculture.
The Bigger Picture: Climate, Crops, and Community Health
This issue highlights how closely connected climate change and our food system really are. It’s not just about extreme weather or rising sea levels, it’s also about what ends up on our plates. As temperatures rise, we’ll continue to see impacts on the quality and safety of our plant-based foods.
By staying informed and making smart choices, we can continue to nourish ourselves and our communities while advocating for food systems that protect both people and the planet.
Take Action
- Diversify your grains.
- Cook rice with plenty of water.
- Choose organic or sustainably grown options when you can.
- Share this info with friends and family who eat a lot of rice.
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- Wang, Dongming, et al. “Impact of Climate Change on Arsenic Concentrations in Paddy Rice and the Associated Dietary Health Risks in Asia: An Experimental and Modelling Study.” The Lancet Planetary Health, Apr. 2025, www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00055-5/fulltext, https://doi.org/10.1016/s2542-5196(25)00055-5. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
- Ayurella Horn-Muller. “The ‘“King of Poisons”’King of Poisons’ Is Building up in Rice.” Grist, 17 Apr. 2025, grist.org/food-and-agriculture/the-king-of-poisons-arsenic-is-building-up-in-rice/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
