Turning Carbon into Biochar
Climate change is the most worrying environmental catastrophe on the horizon fueled by global warming gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and hydro-fluorocarbons. A recent gathering of some of the world's most eminent scientists in London indicates that unless world carbon emissions begin falling within just six years, we have little chance of avoiding warming beyond the critical level of two degrees. Above that level, scientists fear so-called "feedbacks" could kick in, leading to runaway warming and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods that would leave millions homeless and starving. With the speed that the arctic ice is melting and the subsequent threat of global flooding technologies to reduce carbon emissions are paramount to the survival of planet Earth as we know it today.
In a small woodland near Hastings a chocolate maker and music promoter aim to create a £1bn biochar industry in a controversial effort to fight climate change.
So, what is biochar and is this controversial technology effective at reducing carbon? Biochar is the name of wood from trees and agricultural waste which is turned to charcoal and then buried thereby storing the carbon underground rather than releasing carbon emissions.
Craig Sams, a millionaire chocolate maker, and Dan Morrell, a former music promoter and entrepreneur, are producing charcoal in the woodland, with the aim of getting rich and tackling global warming.
Conceptually the process is carbon capture and storage. Carbon, in the form of wood from trees and agricultural waste such as cuttings from vineyards and olive groves can be turned to charcoal and buried in the ground, so storing it away from the atmosphere and helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Some scientists are enthusiastic about this project including scientist and author James Lovelock and Jim Hansen of Nasa. The journal Nature Reports that biochar could be an effective solution to climate change.
Other scientists argue that charcoal is an ideal fuel for domestic and commercial use and instead of burying it we should be using it for energy. Others suggest that the production process is carbon inefficient as it requires vehicles and machinery to gather the wood and burning trees creates more global warming gases. Furthermore, buried charcoal may release gases such as methane which are even more potent climate change gases.
If the biochar project, named, Carbon Gold, proceeds green consumers wanting to offset carbon emissions from transport via flights or cars will be able to pay Carbon Gold to make biochar on their behalf. The aim is that biochar credits will be included in the UN's clean development mechanism - a global carbon trading scheme used by countries such as Britain to meet ambitious carbon targets. Decisions are expected in December at key climate talks in Copenhagen.
Morrell claims that "Biochar is the only technology that enables us to take invisible carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, transform it into black lumps of pure carbon and, by ploughing it into the soil, prevent it from going back into the atmosphere." According to Morrell they can convert about a third of the carbon locked in the wood to charcoal in 24 hours. The rest of the carbon from the wood goes up in smoke releasing carbon dioxide and other global warming gases. Morrell claims it is better for the climate than burning or leaving it to rot, which can produce methane. Charcoal also increases soil fertilitity thereby reducing the need for fertilisers.
If biochar production is carefully managed making limited amounts it may be useful. Europe produces 1.1 giga tonnes of carbon emissions per year and it is estimated that biochar can offset this by 9%. So, what can you the citizens of Our Future Planet do to prevent Climate Change? There are a number of changes you can make to your lifestyle to limit your carbon impact. The ten to ten initiative, the creation of Fanny Armstrong, film maker of The Age of Stupid, offers a solution. The idea is that individuals and organizations sign up to the initiative and commit to doing their best to cut their emissions by 10% by the end of 2010. The 10:10 initiative aims to promote action that is both achievable and meaningful. Action includes using low energy light bulbs, insulating our homes, using trains instead of flying, buying locally produced food. Once the ten to ten team have amassed a significant number of pledges from individuals, companies and institutions, they plan to challenge the government to match their commitment. This is a positive step forward to wards reducing carbon emissions. What are your thoughts?
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I foud this initiative very relevant and respectful of our environment and of the people living in our planet. Nevertheless, this does not suffice! If solutions are not taken at a political level mostly, then followed by economic massive investments, this endeavour will remain isolated, even if they are noble and relevant.
