Description of Challenge
Restore the atmosphere to median Holocene levels of greenhouse gas concentrations (~240 ppmv CO2e) within a short time frame (mid-Century), thereby preventing forfeiture of civilizational gains since previous glaciation and potential near-term human extinction. Restore virtuous cycle of soil improvement to adapt to food and water requirements during humanity's hopefully brief dalliance with Anthropocene climate.
Solution
Convert the fastest growing terrestrial plant, bamboo, currently supplying livelihood to 1.2 billion humans because of its many uses and ability to grow in nearly all climates, from labile carbon to recalcitrant carbon through pyrolytic conversion in a low-cost, multiple-yield process. The application of this recalcitrant carbon to soil, or use as a component of building materials, living roofs and other ecovillage applications, establishes a significant, long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane and a sponge for NOx, SOx and other greenhouse gases (GHG). Up to 12% of the total anthropogenic C emissions by land use change (0.21 PgC) can be offset annually in soil, if slash-and-burn is replaced by slash-and-char. Biochar soil management systems can deliver tradable C emissions reduction, and C sequestered is easily accountable, and verifiable. At full scale, biochar amendments to soils could return Earth to pre-industrial GHG levels within decades. (original text edited)
