[Terrapreta] a braoder theory of torrefaction and TP

[Sean K. Barry]

Hi Duane,

If you are suggesting that CO2 equivalent emissions reductions credits be paid for burning renewable resource based Methane-CH4, rather than letting it be released into the atmosphere (I think you are), then there really is nothing "perverse" about doing this.  Even though it involves the release of CO2 to the atmosphere, it is far better (25 to 72 time better) to release the carbon in Methane-CH4 to the atmosphere in the form of the combustion products of CO2 and H2O, rather than merely releasing the Methane-CH4.  It would only be fair (not "perverse"?) though, to pay those credits if the Methane-CH4 arose from renewable sources like harvested biomass or urban waste, etc., and not fossil fuel Methane-CH4, natural gas.  Preventing the release of non fossil fuel based Methane-CH4 is a service towards the goal of reducing GHG (CO2 equivalent) concentrations in the atmosphere and I think if could be reasonably argued as a creditable carbon (CO2 equivalent) reduction scheme.

Regards,

SKB
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Duane Pendergast<mailto:still.thinking at computare.org> 
  To: 'Sean K. Barry'<mailto:sean.barry at juno.com> ; 'Jim Joyner'<mailto:jimstoy at dtccom.net> 
  Cc: 'Terrapreta preta'<mailto:terrapreta at bioenergylists.org> 
  Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 11:38 PM
  Subject: RE: [Terrapreta] a braoder theory of torrefaction and TP


  Thanks Sean,



  I would object and already have formally - if CO2 equivalent reduction credits for burning the methane were issued for it. In the developing world of CO2 emission reduction credits, that is already proposed and possibly happening.  It is unlikely credits for charcoal in terra preta will develop as long as such  schemes are place. It is a much more lucrative way to earn credits thanks to the greater efficacy of methane as a greenhouse gas. Being perverse myself, I did write an article to try and explain the nature of some schemes. Here is the introduction and a link to it. Check section 3.3 on Landfill Gas

  May 2006 - Kyoto and Beyond: Development of Sustainable Policy
  Some solutions which are proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will turn out to be ineffective. Some will even counter efforts to reduce emissions by setting up "perverse" incentives which could actually encourage the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. This paper<http://www.computare.org/Support%20documents/Fora%20Input/CCC2006/Sustainable%20Paper%2006_05.htm>, discussed at greater length in the Fora Input section of this website, provides some examples and argues in favor of solutions that can be sustained over the long term. (DRP 06/09/12)

  Duane 
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