[Terrapreta] why we must relate to cap and trade

[Robert Klein]

Hi Guys

The only thing that is capable of been fast is transferring a small subsidy to two billion dirt farmers to sequester a few tons of carbon every year.  I am sure it will be messy, yet that will actually get the job done while everyone else can discuss it over a fine martini.

Chump change can get a pilot underway anywhere.  Just do not try to sell a pile of steel to a guy who can only pay two chickens.  

arclein


----- Original Message ----
From: Sean K. Barry <sean.barry at juno.com>
To: lou gold <lou.gold at gmail.com>; Kevin Chisholm <kchisholm at ca.inter.net>
Cc: Terrapreta <Terrapreta at bioenergylists.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:42:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Terrapreta] why we must relate to cap and trade

 
Hi Kevin, Lou,
 
I do respect your thrust here, that the use and adoption of Terra Preta as 
a widespread practice, will require for many people, that it show clear signs of 
being both agriculturally beneficial and economically viable.  When I can 
generate any valuable data I will endeavor to help you fill in some of the 
blanks on your spreadsheet, Kevin.  I believe you are correct too, about 
the need for "numerical metrics".
 
Folke Gunthur sent an E-MAIL posting to this list last night with the 
subject line ...
 
Re: [Terrapreta] Atmospheric CO2 Hits 387ppm
 
I posted a response to this list about Folke's posting, pointing out the 
implications of this rather alarming development in the observational 
data.
NO ONE ELSE responded and now it is just a lame, dead-end thread between 
Folke and I, I guess ...
 
I have said this repeatedly on this list ...
 
1) WE MUST STOP THE CONSUMPTION OF FOSSIL CARBON FUELS and the 
subsequent emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.  WE MUST DO THIS as soon as 
possible (preferably nearly immediately, within a very few years).
 
2) WE WILL NEED ALSO TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY REMOVING CO2 FROM THE ATMOSPHERE 
on a massive scale.
 
3) I know, the formation Terra Preta soils using charcoal made from biomass 
sources can help us do this better than just about anything else I've 
seen.
 
It is my view that the immediate ascendancy of the "rising levels of GHG 
problem" requires a very active and immediate program to abate it.  DO IT 
NOW.  DON'T WAIT!  I also think this overrides the concerns of 
"metrics" about agricultural benefits and/or the economics of Terra Preta 
formation.  I do not mean that these are not valid concerns, nor that we 
should not do anything to address them.  They are important in the long 
scheme, which includes the restorative implications of TP on soil health, 
agricultural productivity, food health, population health, and overall health of 
the planet and Nature.
 
What I am at, though, is triage.  We need to amputate the fossil fuel 
industry and we MUST STOP all of the bleeding of carbon into the atmosphere or 
all will be lost!  Unless we act soon and significantly, we may never have 
the chance to heal this Earth with ministrations of well formed Terra Preta Nova 
soils.
 
I know my prescription is SO VERY DIFFICULT to swallow or even see how we 
can undertake it.  It is absolutely necessary, though.
 
Please help me!?  Everyone?  Please let us find a way to ramp up 
fast on forming Terra Preta and solve the details as we go.  We cannot 
afford the slow deliberate approach anymore.
 
Regards,
 
SKB
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Kevin  Chisholm 
To: lou gold 
Cc: Sean K. Barry ; Terrapreta 
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:28  PM
Subject: Re: [Terrapreta] why we must  relate to cap and trade
Dear Lou

lou gold wrote:
> Sean,
>  ...del...
> But my point was not to discuss policy alternatives but to  point out 
> that right now the biochar movement does not have the power  of 
> supportive metrics. I hope that this can be  corrected.

Right on! We need the metrics... how much does char cost for  a given 
benefit...  If we had some good numerology, showing that  people could 
actually make money by adding charcoal to the soil, then  people could 
indeed become enthused about Biochar and "New Terra  Preta."

The spreadsheet that I posted at

http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/chisholm051308

gives  one a perspective on how much or how little money we are talking about. 

Can you put in two test plots, one with biochar, and one without, and  report back with your results in teh Fall?

Real numbers such as you can  provide will be of great help in promoting Biochar, if indeed it is sensible  to use biochar as an agricultural investment.

Best  wishes,

Kevin

>
> hugs,
>
>  lou
>


      
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