Biochar Land Grabbing - the impacts on Africa

Biochar Land Grabbing: the impacts on Africa A briefing by The African Biodiversity Network, Biofuelwatch and the Gaia Foundation November 2009 Tree plantation in South Africa. Photo: Wally Menne, Timberwatch SUMMARY A NEW TECHNOLOGY CALLED “BIOCHAR” is... More

Biochar Land Grabbing: the impacts on Africa A briefing by The African Biodiversity Network, Biofuelwatch and the Gaia Foundation November 2009 Tree plantation in South Africa. Photo: Wally Menne, Timberwatch SUMMARY A NEW TECHNOLOGY CALLED “BIOCHAR” is being promoted as a major “geo-engineering” solution to global climate change, as well as a means of improving soils and addressing poverty. But this technology raises serious scientific and social concerns. Many questions need to be answered before claims about biochar can stand up to scrutiny. Africa is a particular target for biochar, largely due to the commonly held perception that there is abundant land available waiting for development. In an atmosphere of climate urgency, biochar advocates hope that their product will be fast-tracked into the carbon market and gain accreditation through international climate negotiations. Biochar certainly has a huge potential for profit-making for private companies. But the negative impac Less