Climate change presents one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. The
anthropogenic emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are widely considered to be
the primary driver of global warming and climate change. Climate change mitigation
strategies are being considered and implemented by government and non-government
organizations worldwide. One practice that has attracted attention as a tool to offset and
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases is the manufacture and application to soil of charred
biomass, commonly referred to as biochar. As a soil amendment, biochar can stabilize
carbon belowground and potentially increase agricultural and forest productivity. It is also
resistant to decomposition when incorporated in soil, and can serve as a significant carbon
sink. Researchers have examined the potential of biochar to produce multiple
environmental benefits including energy production and agronomic improvements, while
simultaneously sequestering carbon and reducing net greenhouse gas emissions. This
paper reviews current scientific literature to evaluate biochar’s potential to stabilize
carbon belowground, all while producing a number of other environmental and economic
benefits. The feasibility of implementing biochar systems is considered in the context of
carbon-market incentives that may be adapted to motivate investment in biochar
production. A framework for carbon accounting of biochar projects is also presented.