ClimateJune 30, 2026
biochar
/ˈbaɪoʊˌtʃɑːr/
Definition
A stable, charcoal-like substance produced by heating organic material in an oxygen-poor environment, used as a soil amendment to sequester carbon and improve agricultural fertility.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau derived from 'bio-' (from the Greek 'bios' meaning life) and 'char' (a shortened form of 'charcoal'). It emerged in the late 20th century to describe this specific form of biomass-derived carbon used for environmental management.
In the news
The article lists biochar as an example of a carbon removal technique that can help rural economies by improving farm soil yields and water retention while simultaneously capturing carbon.
Why states are walking back their own climate and energy laws, and what they might do instead
Read the full article ↗The Conversation