Sustainable biochar to mitigate global climate change

Production of biochar (the carbon (C)-rich solid formed by pyrolysis of biomass) and its storage in soils have been suggested as a means of abating climate change by sequestering carbon, while simultaneously providing energy and increasing crop yields. Substantial uncertainties exist, however, regarding the impact, capacity and sustainability of biochar at the global level. In this paper we estimate the maximum sustainable technical potential of biochar to mitigate climate change. Annual net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide could be reduced by a maximum of 1.8 Pg CO2-C equivalent (CO2-Ce) per year (12% of current anthropogenic CO2-Ce emissions; 1 Pg=1 Gt), and total net emissions…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: 76RL01830, AC05-76RL01830, DE-AC05-76RL01830, DE-AC05
• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• B
  Battelle

  Awards: AC05-76RL01830, DE-AC05, DE-AC05-76RL01830
• NY
  New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
• EA
  Economic and Social Research Council
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research

  Awards: AC05-76RL01830, 76RL01830, DE-AC05-76RL01830