【明報專訊】Climatic anomalies have swept the world this past summer. Various countries have seen record-breaking temperatures for an extended period of time, taking a heavy toll on life. In our neighbouring country Japan, the extreme temperature poses threats to not only humans, but also its much acclaimed agricultural produce. Halfway through July, fields of Koshihikari (越光米）were showing signs of fatal dehydration, as if the solar god had decided to wipe out life in one go. At a glance, the rice plants almost looked like rows of spring onions, left forgotten and dried out in my mom's tray of herbs. The sight was simply depressing at times.