Updates on Biochar and Copenhagen
 Representatives
of IBI and many other biochar supporters have been attending the UNFCCC
COP15 meetings in Copenhagen Denmark, which began last week and continue to
December 18. Delegates from around the world are in the midst of intense
negotiations to work on a new climate agreement following up on the Kyoto
Protocol.
As of today, Tuesday 15 December, the draft negotiation text that has been
released by the Conference Chairs and Parties is very short on details
pertaining to agricultural sector solutions and technologies, but
placeholder text is included for domestic agricultural and land use
activities of industrialized countries as well as for the financing of
cooperative agricultural sector mitigation activities between developed and
developing countries. The impact for biochar production and utilization
systems is thus promising in terms of UNFCCC recognition of agricultural
activities in helping to combat climate change, including the promise of
biochar as a high-impact, low-cost climate mitigation and adaptation
technology with multiple co-benefits. More information on the COP15 can be
found at: http://unfccc.int.
IBI's Executive Director Debbie Reed noted that overall, the recognition
and attention to biochar at COP15 has increased exponentially from even 1
year ago, when IBI attended COP14 in Poznan, Poland. Delegates and observer
groups alike showed a greater familiarity and appreciation of the potential
role of biochar as a climate mitigation and adaptation solution, both in
the agricultural sector context and also as a more general technology to
combat climate change.
Below are reports on three biochar side events, provided by Debbie. We will
post presentations from these events as well as further information on the
IBI website at: www.biochar-international.org/copenhagen.
Monday 7 December
EU
Side Event at EU Pavilion, Biochar application to soils - carbon
sequestration and soil improvement potential
I heard through the well-populated and represented grapevine of biochar
friends and colleagues that Monday's side event on biochar went very well.
Though the side event was on the first day of the negotiations, it was very
well-attended (standing room only), and there were many high-ranking
individuals from European delegations in attendance, which is a good sign,
since we want to get their attention. Also, according to those in
attendance, there were lots of good questions and discussions.
Wednesday 9 December
Bellona
Foundation Side Event at Bella Center, Biochar - delivering fast climate
benefits?
Wednesday's side event on biochar hosted by the Bellona Foundation was also
excellent -- standing-room-only, and lots of representation from small and
developing nations eager to hear more about the potential of biochar. The
Wednesday event was a refreshing change of pace, in that Jack Herheim of
the Bellona Foundation, who moderated, held a panel discussion where he
posed questions to the panel, and then opened the questions to the
audience. Lots of thoughtful questions and good discussion, and we are all
flooded by folks wanting to discuss more after that event. The audience
interest and interaction is great.
Saturday 12 December
IBI's Official COP15 Side
Event held Saturday, 12 December at the Bella Center in Copenhagen was a
great success. Titled "Biochar: Climate Mitigation and
Adaptation with Food and Energy Security Benefits", the event
featured key speakers who discussed emerging issues and current science
related to biochar and links to food and energy security in developing
countries and drylands. Every one of the 160 seats in the Victor Borg Room
where the session was held was filled, and there were many attendees
standing through the event, as well. The session was moderated by Jim
Fournier of the Boulder, CO-based Biochar Engineering Corp, and presenters
included Sergio Zelaya of the UNCCD Secretariat; Dr. Johannes Lehmann of
Cornell University, and IBI Board Chairman; and Guy Reinaud of Pro-Natura
International. Sergio Zelaya provided an overview of UNCCD efforts relative
to biochar and dryland applications, including the incorporation of biochar
in the UNCCD strategic plan, which shares elements and commonalities with
many of the goals and objectives of the UNFCCC, particularly in the areas
of soil carbon sequestration and the reversal of soil degradation and desertification
in dryland areas. Dr. Lehmann provided a thorough update on scientific
evidence and knowledge about biochar and biochar systems, particularly as
related to drylands and developing country situations, and the role of
biochar cook stoves in enhancing soil fertility and productivity while
providing climate and health benefits. Guy Reinaud shared the Pro-Natura
Green Charcoal technology, and results of biochar applications to
vegetables, corn and rice crops in Senegal, and plans for additional projects
in developing countries and drylands. The question and answer session was
robust, but cut short by the need to vacate the room for the next scheduled
side event.
More Information About Biochar
For more information
about biochar, please see the IBI website.
Biochar fact sheets: http://www.biochar-international.org/publications
Biochar Policy: http://www.biochar-international.org/policy/international
Biochar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): http://www.biochar-international.org/biochar/faqs
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