Biochar is a long-lived form of carbon removal, making evidence-based CDR projects possible

Science should drive policies and regulations to ensure a sustainable (environmentally, socially, and economically) green transition to a Net-Zero / Net-Negative circular economy. Since 2015, which saw COP21 in Paris, Net Zero has been a global target that must be rapidly accompanied by a Net Negative strategy to mitigate climate change. Accordingly, biochar's role as a durable carbon removal method is gaining attention and increasing. In this work, we discuss the durability of the carbon in biochar and the need for analytical techniques to support stakeholders on a project level. The different ecologically relevant groups of carbon forms contained in biochar are presented, and possible project-based methods to assess the quality and durability of the product versus the regulatory requirements for the permanence of carbon removals are summarized. Biochar is today one of the CDR technologies with the highest technology readiness level (TRL 8–9) that can ensure permanent removals for time frames relevant to climate change mitigation projects, combined with co-benefits that are gaining relevance in terms of mitigating climate impacts in agricultural soils. Graphical Abstract Highlights Biochar comprises different carbon forms, for which permanence is discussed here. Biochar can deliver cost-effective long-term Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), which is possible to deploy at large scale. Project-level Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) can be verified by analytical techniques and third-party certification. Certified BCR can be accounted towards nation-wide climate targets. Site-specific co-benefits can be generated, supporting the shift to more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture