BREANNA MAXINE

Ancient Farming Practice Draws Cash From Carbon Credits

Biochar, which pulls carbon from the atmosphere, is embraced by companies to offset emissions.


Photographer: Alexandra Hootnick 
Publisher: The Wall Street Journal
Format: Print, Digital
Date: 2023/02/25

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Companies pay handsomely for carbon-removal credits tied to biochar because of the certainty that it is sequestering the carbon and helping neutralize their emissions. Alexandra Hootnick for The Wall Street Journal
Biochar was used by farmers in South America thousands of years ago because they found that it helped soil retain water and nutrients. Alexandra Hootnick for The Wall Street Journal
Josiah Hunt, CEO of Pacific Biochar Benefit Corp., struggled to grow sales before carbon credits let him bring in extra revenue and cut prices. Alexandra Hootnick for The Wall Street Journal
Pyrolysis, the process used to make biochar, keeps most of the carbon trapped by restricting oxygen levels so the material smolders rather than burns. Alexandra Hootnick for The Wall Street Journal
Because biochar is essentially sequestering the carbon that plants absorb when they grow, it is considered an effective form of carbon removal. Alexandra Hootnick for The Wall Street Journal
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