Biochar is ‘low-hanging fruit’ for sequestering carbon and combating climate change

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Inside Climate News or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Biochar, a carbon sequestration method made from heating organic material without oxygen, has emerged as a significant player in the carbon offset marketplace
• Dominating last year's durable carbon market by absorbing 92.9% of CO2 despite only receiving 7% of carbon credit purchases, biochar presents an economical and effective solution for combating climate change and enhancing soil fertility

🔭 The context: Originating from ancient practices, biochar improves soil conditions, supports root growth, and increases microbial activity, thereby aiding in carbon capture
• Its ability to retain water and absorb nutrients addresses soil nutrient deficiencies and supports increased crop production

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As efforts intensify to meet the Paris Climate Agreement's goal of limiting global warming, biochar's role in removing CO2 from the atmosphere becomes crucial
• Its low cost and high effectiveness make it an attractive "low-hanging fruit" for immediate climate action, amidst a broader array of necessary measures

⏭️ What's next: With bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress and potential inclusion in upcoming farm bills, biochar research and application are poised for expansion
• Despite its current market limitations and high production costs, the prospect of local production facilities across the U.S. could reduce expenses, create rural jobs, and significantly contribute to climate goals

💬 One quote: "Biochar is one of those [efforts needed to combat climate change]. We need multiple, multiple efforts, multiple different processes all working together," said David Laird, a professor at Iowa State University.

📈 One stat: Last year, biochar was responsible for removing 125,000 tons of CO2 worldwide, making up 92.9% of the durable carbon market's CO2 removal despite minimal funding.

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