In the November 2024 issue of Bois et Forêts des Tropiques, Romain Pirard examines whether biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More qualifies as a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy. The paper highlights the common misclassification of biochar, a product of biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, as CDR. While biochar does contribute to carbon storage and emission reductions, it seldom qualifies as true CDR unless specific conditions are met.

Pirard argues that the primary function of biochar is transforming biomass into a long-term carbon storage matrix, preventing greenhouse gas emissions during biomass decomposition. However, the attribution of carbon removal is misleading unless the feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More is cultivated specifically for biochar production, which is rare. Misclassifying biochar as CDR risks inflating its carbon credit value and diverting resources from more effective mitigation strategies.

Despite this, the study emphasizes biochar’s dual role in mitigation and adaptation. Its application as a soil conditioner enhances agricultural resilience to climate change while reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. Policymakers are encouraged to support biochar deployment at scale, not by overvaluing its CDR potential but by recognizing its broader environmental and economic benefits.

This nuanced understanding of biochar’s role ensures better resource allocation in carbon markets and avoids unsustainable business models. Biochar remains valuable, but its contributions should be accurately framed within the spectrum of climate solutions. By focusing on its emission reduction and adaptation benefits, biochar can achieve its potential without inflated expectations.

SOURCE: Pirard, R. (2024). Is biochar a carbon dioxide removal? Bois et Forêts des Tropiques, 361(3), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.19182/bft2024.361.a-37219