Environmental Science & Policy, 21 August 2009
Biochar–One way forward for soil carbon in offset mechanisms in Africa?
Thea Whitman, Johannes Lehmann,
The Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has had relatively little success in Africa due to a number of factors. Increases in agricultural soil carbon have strong benefits for soil health as well as potential for carbon sequestration, but such projects are currently excluded from the CDM and other offset mechanisms. Small-scale biochar systems with net emission reductions may hold a key for Africa to engage with the international offset mechanisms and open the door to soil carbon sequestration projects.
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Another source of carbon rich soil conditioner available in Africa in horrifying quantities is silt. Most of Africa’s waterways are clogged with weeds and the silt that they have generated. Clear those weeds, dredge that silt, and reclaim your waters. Use the weeds for biofuel and the silt to restore land and fight erosion.