Biochar and Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Removal

Many climate models, including those developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Sixth Assessment Report, strongly point toward the need for both aggressive decarbonization and large-scale carbon dioxide removal to ameliorate projected temperature increases associated with climate change. The purpose of this chapter is to look at one such option, biochar. Biochar is a relatively well-advanced approach from a technological readiness perspective, as well as having the potential to substantially contribute to carbon removal targets and to provide potential co-benefits. The chapter will outline the methods for producing biochar, potential climatic benefits and co-benefits, potential risks associated with deployment, and prospects to drive large-scale adoption.