18/07/2026
Comment from Europe:
“I just like it hot!” ☀️
But do you also like it expensive? 🤔
Many people think climate change doesn't affect them when the weather is going crazy on the other side of the world. Think again. Our globalized world means that the heat in Asia directly impacts your wallet. 💥📉
Behind the scenes, the reality in Thai rice farming (especially in the main Isaan region) currently looks like this:
Due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, rainfall is extremely irregular and below the long-term average. With persistent temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius, this leads to massive drought in non-irrigated regions. Farmers are facing a logistical and financial chain reaction:
To compensate for the lack of water, diesel pumps have to run for days – an enormous cost factor. Where there are no canals or wells, this option is completely out of the question.
Due to the drought, the soil's nutrient uptake decreases, increasing the need for expensive fertilizers.
Experts are already predicting significant declines in rice production for the coming season.
Thailand is one of the world's largest rice exporters. If yields here fall while production costs rise, the global supply tightens, driving up world market prices for rice.
You might have a feeling now, what that means for your grocery shopping in the future. 🌏 ➡️ 🛒