CEFR Level: A2 (Elementary)

Also available in: A1 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2

Scientists Create Rice That Can Survive Hot Temperatures

February 6, 2026 - Climate change is making the world hotter. This is causing problems for farmers who grow rice, wheat, and corn.

Rice is one of the most important foods in the world. Billions of people eat it every day. But rising temperatures are hurting rice plants. When nights are hot, the plants cannot rest. They use too much energy.

Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute found a solution. They are changing the genes in rice plants. This makes the rice stronger.

The new rice can grow well even in hot weather. It can make more grains, and the grains are good quality.

Scientists say we need this new rice by 2050. The world’s population is growing, and we need more food.

Vocabulary Help

• climate change = the Earth getting warmer over many years
• temperature = how hot or cold something is
• survive = to stay alive, to not die
• farmers = people who grow food
• genes = tiny parts inside plants and animals that control how they grow
• solution = an answer to a problem
• population = the number of people

Grammar Focus

• Present continuous: “Climate change is making the world hotter.”
• Modal verbs: “The rice can grow well in hot weather.”
• Simple past: “Scientists found a solution.”

Source: International Rice Research Institute / Phys.org