This year, Japan experienced its hottest summer on record. When an extreme heat wave exacerbated by human-induced climate change made these conditions even more extreme, the disaster escalated. Extreme temperatures affected daily life from multiple angles. They missed the mark by introducing major agricultural obstacles, leading to severe shortages of rice. Consequently, soaring rice prices have more than doubled in the past year.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the scorching summer of 2023 was especially extreme. With the unusual circumstances of 2024, that record went out the window almost immediately. The outcry from experts and citizens in response to these record-breaking temperatures helped to underscore the unprecedented urgency of our current moment and the need for climate action. Farmers just can’t grow crops or go out and collect them during these extreme heat waves. In the wake of these changes, rice production has sharply dropped.
The heat wave of 2023 put an intense and immediate pressure on the residents. As important, it had mighty negative impacts on the agricultural sector, damaging both crops and livelihoods. During the outreach phase, farmers expressed how the extreme heat, compounded with a lack of sufficient rain, was drastically lowering their crop production. As a result, the rice crisis turned into a major concern, driving up prices to record levels.
Since rice is a very basic food in Japan, like bread in France or cornmeal in corn country USA, the doubling of its price immediately outraged Japanese consumers. Four out of five households are making changes to their household budgets. Like all Americans, they are feeling the pinch from skyrocketing prices for this basic commodity. Now the government is under growing public pressure to act and compensate families that have been harmed.
Climate change is already taking a toll on Japan, its dangerous impacts now more apparent than ever. The record-setting heat wave of 2023 is a tragic example of these consequences. Experts warn that without significant measures to combat climate change, such extreme weather events may become more frequent and severe, further impacting food security.