Rice panicle (IMAGE) Graz University of Technology Caption Rising global warming is problematic for the water-intensive cultivation of rice, the staple food for about half the world's population. Credit Mengcen Wang Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.