Public needs to learn more about biochar

Iowa State University has developed an autothermal pyrolysis method to create biochar from biomass five times faster than conventional methods. Furthermore, it needs no external source of heat.

Widespread production and use of biochar is one of our best chances to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change. When used as a soil amendment, biochar sequesters carbon.

Iowa is right in the middle of being able to create climate change solutions with farmland and Iowa State University. The new method of pyrolysis makes the commercial use of biochar more feasible.

The biggest problem with biochar is that few have heard of it. This is where the news media comes in. The news media needs to do its part to inform people. Our lives and our family's lives may depend on it. Climate change is that serious.

Harold Hensel

Cedar Rapids