The Science and Technology Section of the August 27 issue of The Economist featured an article on the recently held CEES Biochar Conference. The Biochar Conference was a tremendous success, with approximately 325 registered attendees. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak’s gave a speech focusing on climate change and agricultural policy, as well as biochar. His remarks provided a very high-level perspective on biochar – something that had hitherto been lacking. The Secretary described biochar as the type of advancement in agriculture and energy that is in line with the President’s vision.
The issue of biochar is also closely related to the idea of Energy Justice. For example, efficient cookstoves that can save the lives of women and children by preventing indoor air pollution can also be used to create biochar. This biochar can then be used for agricultural purposes, to help poor soil get needed minerals and increase productivity. Biochar also traps CO2, which could then be used for Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism credits. Thus, carbon credits could potentially provide income to the energy oppressed poor.
For the full Economist article, please click here. Please note that Professor Guruswamy, director of CEES who will be speaking at the Energy Justice Conference, is quoted near the end.
Saludos y felicidades por la iiniciativa legal.