Biochar as a Carbon Dioxide Removal method is a rapidly evolving field

The overarching context of the proposed research is the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. For this, active carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere has become a necessity. The proposed research focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of biochar carbon removal (BCR). Biochar is the solid residue that remains after thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) of biomass under low oxygen conditions. The basic mechanism is that Biochar is thermochemically stable and highly resistant to biodegradation, resulting in a long-term removal of carbon from the atmosphere. BCR is one of several 'new' CDR technologies that form an integral part of the path to Net Zero, also in Switzerland.