In recent years, the world is facing increasingly severe environmental challenges. Therefore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This goal aims to achieve global economic, social and environmental sustainable development by 2030. Among them, biochar, as an innovative agricultural and environmental management technology, plays an important role in achieving multiple sustainable development goals.
What are Sustainable Development Goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals set by the United Nations in 2015 to address a series of major social, economic and environmental issues by 2030. These 17 goals include poverty eradication, hunger eradication, health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequality, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, peace and justice, etc. These goals aim to promote global sustainable development, improve people’s quality of life, and protect the earth’s environment.
What Goals does Biochar Promote?
1. Protect Water Resources (SDG 6)
Biochar’s improvement effect on soil includes protecting water resources. The improved soil has better water retention capacity and reduces the risk of soil erosion. In addition, biochar can acts as an adsorbent material to remove pollutants from water and improve water quality. Thus, this promotes the sustainable management of water resources.
2. Promote Use of Clean Energy (SDG 7)
In biochar production equipment, in addition to obtaining biochar, a high-carbon fuel, a certain amount of combustible gas is also released. These fuels can be used for power generation or as biofuels. Thus, this reduces dependence on fossil fuels. In other words, biochar production can help achieve clean energy goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Addressing Climate Change (SDG 13)
Another important property of biochar is its carbon storage capacity. The carbon in biochar can be stably present in the soil for a long time. This reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In addition, the application of biochar can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural activities, such as methane emissions from composting and nitrous oxide from fertilizers.
4. Protect & Restore Terrestrial Ecosystems (SDG 15)
Biochar’s improvements to soil health can help restore degraded land and damaged ecosystems. Biochar’s porous structure and high carbon content increase soil productivity and resistance to erosion. Therefore, biochar can help prevent soil erosion and degradation. This promotes sustainable land use. This effect of biochar not only helps maintain biodiversity, but also enhances ecosystem resilience.
Biochar Brings a Sustainable Future
As a versatile material, the application of biochar involves multiple sustainable development goals. By protecting water resources, promoting the use of clean energy, addressing climate change and restoring ecosystems, biochar provides an effective solution for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the expansion of applications, biochar is expected to play a greater role globally and contribute to sustainable development.