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Burn: Igniting a New Carbon Drawdown Economy to End the Climate Crisis Paperback – April 3, 2020

by Albert Bates (Author), Kathleen Draper (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings
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“A brilliant, climatic coup that uplifts biochar to an entirely new level of substance and urgency!”―Paul Hawken

How we can harness carbon to help solve the climate crisis in order to rescue ourselves from climate catastrophe

In order to rescue ourselves from climate catastrophe, we need to radically alter how humans live on Earth. We have to go from spending carbon to banking it. We have to put back the trees, wetlands, and corals. We have to regrow the soil and turn back the desert. We have to save whales, wombats, and wolves. We have to reverse the flow of greenhouse gases and send them in exactly the opposite direction: down, not up. We have to flip the carbon cycle and run it backwards. For such a revolutionary transformation we’ll need civilization 2.0.

A secret unlocked by the ancients of the Amazon for its ability to transform impoverished tropical soils into terra preta—fertile black earths—points the way. The indigenous custom of converting organic materials into long lasting carbon has enjoyed a reawakening in recent decades as the quest for more sustainable farming methods has grown. Yet the benefits of this carbonized material, now called biochar, extend far beyond the soil. Pyrolyzing carbon has the power to restore a natural balance by unmining the coal and undrilling the oil and gas. Employed to its full potential, it can run the carbon cycle in reverse and remake Earth as a garden planet.

Burn looks beyond renewable biomass or carbon capture energy systems to offer a bigger and bolder vision for the next phase of human progress, moving carbon from wasted sources:
• Into soils and agricultural systems to rebalance the carbon, nitrogen, and related cycles; enhance nutrient density in food; rebuild topsoil; and condition urban and agricultural lands to withstand flooding and drought
• To cleanse water by carbon filtration and trophic cascades within the world’s rivers, oceans, and wetlands
• To shift urban infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges, and ports, incorporating drawdown materials and components, replacing steel, concrete, polymers, and composites with biological carbon
• To drive economic reorganization by incentivizing carbon drawdown

Fully developed, this approach costs nothing—to the contrary, it can save companies money or provide new revenue streams. It contains the seeds of a new, circular economy in which energy, natural resources, and human ingenuity enter a virtuous cycle of improvement. Burn offers bold new solutions to climate change that can begin right now.

An 800-CEO-READ "Editor's Choice" March 2019
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Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Chelsea Green
  4. Publication date
    April 3, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    5.99 x 0.84 x 8.91 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1603589848
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1603589840
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A brilliant, climatic coup that uplifts biochar to an entirely new level of substance and urgency!”―Paul Hawken

“We’re in a climate emergency, and we need to be using an awful lot of different approaches―here’s one that definitely deserves to be explored in full.”―Bill McKibben, author of Falter

“Burn advances the discussion from fantasies of biochar-based agriculture to normative proposals for many ways the material could theoretically be used as an environmentally attractive, economically competitive resource in many sectors of society. The book opens new avenues of thought, and it will be a valuable reference in the coming decade in helping us to assess the inevitable cascade of ever bigger, riskier, costlier, and zanier proposals for carbon withdrawal.”―Dennis Meadows, 2018 laureate, The Earth Hall of Fame Kyoto

“For anyone interested in solutions to climate change, this book is absolutely essential reading. It represents the latest, most innovative thinking and experimentation on removing carbon from the atmosphere. What’s delightfully startling is the authors’ detailed, example-laden argument that we can use carbon to regenerate landscapes while also producing an astounding array of products―from concrete to plastics to batteries to paper―that function better by incorporating the universe’s most versatile element. Written in a clear, entertaining style, Burn is an incendiary contribution.”―Richard Heinberg, senior fellow, Post Carbon Institute

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough for going deep into the science of a potentially revolutionary technology that could be capable of stopping dangerous climate change in its tracks. For anyone who wants to know how societies can transform the very fabric of how we run our industries so that we protect and enhance our environment, not destroy it―while contributing to thriving economies―this is literally the manual. It is, in short, a window into the future we could build together. So read it, and start building.”―Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, system shift columnist, Motherboard; editor-in-chief, INSURGE Intelligence; research fellow, The Schumacher Institute

“What if we could make carbon our ally, instead of our enemy, in preserving this planet? This deeply detailed book is about far more than the ancient, carbon-fixing Amazonian soil technology called terra preta. Practically everything humans do, Burn shows, could reimburse the Earth for the carbon we’ve exhumed, leaving civilization far cleaner and healthier―and with a chance for a future.”―Alan Weisman, author of Countdown, The World Without Us, and Gaviotas

“Carbon, the most promiscuous of elements, can be our ruination or by better management, our salvation. Burn is a clear, accessible, and luminescent blueprint for the latter. It really is a must-read.”―David Orr, author of Dangerous Years

“Carbon is the element that likes to hold hands and collaborate. We can learn a lot from carbon if we stop demonizing it. Burn does an exceptional job telling the vital story of how carbon can address the interconnected crises in waste, energy, food, soil, water, and, most pressingly, climate. This book plays a critical role in educating us to reorient with carbon math, reimagine the role of carbon cascades, and redesign the carbon cycle.”―Amanda Joy Ravenhill, executive director, Buckminster Fuller Institute

“Reading Albert Bates is always a delight. He challenges us in his humorous, outside-the-box style with deep, practical, and original carbon insights based on years of experience as one of the world’s leading permaculture experts. His solutions are low-cost, scalable, and doable―right on.”―Ross Jackson, chair of Gaia Trust, Denmark; author of Occupy World Street

“This book is a big deal. It argues persuasively that carbon has been vilified for far too long. Biochar, a hard, crystal-like form of carbon, can reanimate tired soils and help to mop up vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. The authors speak as seasoned scientists as well as practitioners, and their arsenal of arguments offers more than a glimpse of hope in a world threatened with climate doom. If there is a way out, here is a bunch of keys to the door at the end of the tunnel.”―Herbert Girardet, cofounder, World Future Council; executive council member, Club of Rome

“Brilliant in its range and depth, Burn offers an integrated approach to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss and provides potential solutions for tackling the full range of activities that negatively impact our climate. It is a groundbreaking sequel to The Paris Agreement and gives hope to a world currently facing a multiplicity of interlinked crises.”―Feargal Duff, environmental activist

About the Author

Albert Bates is one of the founders of the intentional community and ecovillage movements. A lawyer, scientist, and teacher, he has taught village design, appropriate technology, and permaculture to students from more than sixty countries. His books include Climate in Crisis; The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook; The Biochar Solution; and The Paris Agreement.

Kathleen Draper has been deeply involved in many areas of biochar research, communication, and outreach for the past six years. She routinely collaborates with biochar experts from around the globe as a board member of the International Biochar Initiative (IBI), moderator for IBI’s biochar education webinar series, and the US Director of the Ithaka Institute for Carbon Intelligence. She has lectured on biochar in several countries and provides consulting services to companies entering the biochar industry. She is editor of the online review, The Biochar Journal.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chelsea Green
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 3, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1603589848
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1603589840
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.99 x 0.84 x 8.91 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
66 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative about carbon sequestration and biodiversity, with one review highlighting how biochar can save the planet. They appreciate the scientific evidence presented, with one customer noting how pure carbon acts like a coral reef.

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Information valueBiodiversityCarbon sequestration
6 customers mention "Information value"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, with one mentioning it creates many useful products and provides an insightful narrative.

"...GHG-producing by-products from the elemental carbon, and creates many useful products...." Read more

"...waste wood products into a pure carbon product that has a thousand benefits and uses. For one, it sequesters carbon from the atmosphere...." Read more

"...Sent copies to colleagues. Insightful narrative...." Read more

"Very informative. Read slowly, it is so full of information that it is like trying to take a drink from a fire hose." Read more

4 customers mention "Biodiversity"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's focus on biodiversity, with one customer highlighting its explanation of how biochar can save the planet, while another notes its scientific evidence of environmental benefits.

"...amendment that speeds the process to create rich soil to support regenerative agriculture...." Read more

"...information about how biochar can reduce global warming, increase farm yield with less to no artificial fertilizers and less pesticide use...." Read more

"...Scientific evidence of the benefits to environment and a brand new look at Carbon. Carbon-extruded masts, carbon filters , carbon in everything!!!" Read more

"Albert does great job explaining how biochar can save the planet. A must read for everyone that care about our environment." Read more

4 customers mention "Carbon sequestration"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's focus on carbon sequestration, with several mentioning how it can be removed from the atmosphere and incorporated into various materials. One customer notes how biochar can reduce global warming, while another describes how pure carbon acts like a coral reef.

"...The carbon and the by-products can make concrete with far less GHG pollution, concrete which is stronger and less prone to failure than conventional...." Read more

"...Biochar converts or upcycles waste wood products into a pure carbon product that has a thousand benefits and uses...." Read more

"This book gives detailed information about how biochar can reduce global warming, increase farm yield with less to no artificial fertilizers and..." Read more

"...Carbon-extruded masts, carbon filters , carbon in everything!!!" Read more

Biochar is not just for soil enhancement anymore and some uses will surprise you.
5 out of 5 stars
Biochar is not just for soil enhancement anymore and some uses will surprise you.
I'm always making and using biochar - Cooking it in my fireplace, backyard firepit, and adding the charged carbon substance to my garden. For years now, I've enjoyed the results in my garden and the feeling of doing something good for the Earth - that's why I created the BioCharlie. However, like you may be, I'm still learning about biochar. Kathleen Draper and Albert Bates' Burn - Using Fire to Cool the Earth was an inspiring read that emphasized how biochar can curb climate change and allowed me to learn more about the substance itself. I have known Kathleen for the last several years and knew that anything she would write on biochar would be a labor of love. She continues to represent the mission of the International Biochar Initiative with grace and vigor. Her passion for the cause is palpable whenever she speaks - and this passion translates to her and Bates's book. Burn is required reading for anyone who wants to do more for the environment. While biochar is a simple substance, charcoal, the book reveals its unlimited possibilities for uses that keep carbon sequestered from escaping back into the atmosphere as CO2. Biochar is not just for soil enhancement anymore according to the authors and some uses will surprise you. The science behind biochar is fascinating, but isn't intimidating in Burn. The book broadens ones understanding of scientific concepts in an easy-to-read and entertaining style. It explains applications of biochar ranging from agriculture to building materials. It can even be used as an additive in feed for cows - who would know? I would bet that some who read this book will become inspired to use some of the concepts to reshape traditional ways of how various things are made -Chalk up a win for industry and the planet.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Robert
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Roadmap to Future Abundance
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book provides background and detail about the only viable way (for the foreseeable future) to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and suppress the effects of other (more potent) greenhouse gases such as methane. It is called "Burn" because the process of "roasting" organic products separates the volatile GHG-producing by-products from the elemental carbon, and creates many useful products.

    These products range from eliminating noxious odors to manufacturing graphene. For agriculture, the pure carbon acts like a coral reef, which can capture ammonia and immobilize nitrogen, phosphates, and heavy metals resulting in cleaner water and less stress such as algae blooms. The carbon can trap and immobilize salt, which threatens many areas of the world due to over-irrigation and sea level rise. The carbon holds moisture and beneficial bacteria, reducing the need for water and artificial fertilizers. Areas that currently pollute waterways with hog lagoons, cattle and chicken manures can use the technologies described to clean-up pollution and enhance production. The carbon and the by-products can make concrete with far less GHG pollution, concrete which is stronger and less prone to failure than conventional. New construction materials outperform the existing ones -- and sequester carbon that otherwise would pollute the atmosphere.

    I'd like to specifically recommend this book to High School students and teachers as part of their curriculum in science, environmental studies, and humanities. These are global solutions with equal application everywhere on earth. I'd also recommend it to undergraduate and graduate programs -- and especially for young people who are searching for meaningful and satisfying careers.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • John H. Wall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Transformational Technology
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Best book on the market about biochar. Biochar converts or upcycles waste wood products into a pure carbon product that has a thousand benefits and uses. For one, it sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. It is a soil amendment that speeds the process to create rich soil to support regenerative agriculture. As an additive to concrete, asphalt or other building materials, it makes the product stronger, lighter and more resilient. Many other benefits of the process are described. Biochar is a part of systems to convert otherwise waste organic mater into highly valuable, carbon sequestering products. This may be the only product that actually takes carbon out of the environment and returns it to the earth and to be able to help reverse Climate Change.
    Helpful
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  • Frank Strie Terra Preta Developments in Tasmania Australia (and beyond)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge is the treasure that increases in value by sharing it
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Thank you Albert Bates and Kathleen Draper and the many people who have provided their knowledge to this ongoing process. I am delighted to see the response when I show the book to our potential clients. Soon we will be sharing the content with local schools and institutions around the country. It will even become part of the program by the Goethe Institute's German language international project competition.
    … " They are ten Grade 9 and 10 students who have been learning German as an elective subject for 2-3 years. Their German speaking skills would be at a beginner to intermediate stage.
    The Goethe-Institut may have already contacted you to ask whether you would like to be involved. The idea is that the students first do some learning about German and Australian businesses with German links to get their heads around the language involved in business. Then they research into local businesses, which may have a link to Germany or the German language."
    …" to introduce the students to an innovative idea or business model (in German) and hence help them to improve their language skills and help to make learning the language more authentic and interesting while pursuing something relevant to our community.
    The third part of the project is that students need to come up with a new idea for your business. They then create an advertisement for their product."
    The timing of this important book is perfect!
    I am glad I preordered the first 4 books already in January and so may the process continue!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • captwilco
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be required reading...everywhere!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2020
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book gives detailed information about how biochar can reduce global warming, increase farm yield with less to no artificial fertilizers and less pesticide use. Biochar is cheap, quick and easy to make, and can be put to application immediately in many places. Other uses of carbon heretofore ignored are also explained in the book, from bioplastics to building blocks, tire manufacturing, printer ink and on and on...all of which sequester carbon from the atmosphere. This book should be required reading for every high-school student and very elected leader in the world. NOW!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Ellen H. Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book represents the long reflections of Albert Bates, an upper middle class financial guy turned farmer and visionary. He founded The Farm in Tennessee where he is still chopping up bamboo and turning it into biochar. He believes it will scale up to a level where it can draw down enough carbon to cool the earth. And even if it doesn't it can solve problems like depleted soil and polluted water. Albert deserves the support of every right minded person - so buy the book and start burning.
    Helpful
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  • J. Webster
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extensive review on the impact opportunities biochar can play in the world.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2020
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I bought the book and the audible version for myself. Sent copies to colleagues.

    Insightful narrative. Deeper dive into areas where biochar is often overlooked, such as in manufacturing and for use in cooling systems.

    Will be buying more copies as gifts. This topic deserves more attention.

    Many kudos to Kathleen Draper and Albert Bates for their work.
    One person found this helpful
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  • johanna perkins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Important Book, a Must Read for businesses, a must read for consumers
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book is a must read- it is full of Hope for our human future. Scientific evidence of the benefits to environment and a brand new look at Carbon. Carbon-extruded masts, carbon filters , carbon in everything!!!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Mark Kerske
    5.0 out of 5 stars Save the planet!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2020
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Albert does great job explaining how biochar can save the planet. A must read for everyone that care about our environment.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Harald Bier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive information about biochar and its potential - way beyond soils.
    Reviewed in Germany on October 25, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is finally the book that was missing until now. It touches not only the subject of biochar as a soil enhancer, but the entire spectre of applications and it helps me a lot with my work for the European Biochar Industry Consortium. I'm hoping many people will read it so the knowledge about this highly interesting resource will spread quickly. Thank you!
    Report
  • Peter
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Crucial, Paradigm-Shifting Book
    Reviewed in Australia on February 6, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Planet Earth is in trouble; humans are even more in trouble! Yet, we do have so many solutions at our fingertips with which to hopefully still save ourselves.
    This book offers an extraordinary, relatively simple solution to a multitude of the challenges facing us.
    Biochar, a form of stabilized carbon; a product easily enough made from a multitude or raw materials - many of which we now throw into landfill! - this biochar can then be used in innumerable areas of our lives - agriculture, in our concrete & buildings, in medicine, and many other situations too numerous to offer here.
    Do explore this exciting solution to the many challenges we face today!
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  • hannes junginger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely worth reading
    Reviewed in Germany on September 1, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The book gives a comprehensive overview about the research on biochar, its actual and potential future applications. In particular, it outlines the enormous potential to slow down and eventually turn back global warming. It is fun to read, very informative and gives a positive view of the (potential) future - it makes hope.
    Report
  • Donna Balzer
    2.0 out of 5 stars Boring
    Reviewed in Canada on October 27, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I started reading it because I have read many books on Biochar and am very interested in this topic. This was just too boring to finish.
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  • Chris S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars BURN: Using Fire to Cool the Earth - a book full of technology approaches with charcoal
    Reviewed in Germany on December 19, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The authors show in detail the uses of pyrolysis of biomass in as different areas as agriculture, forestry, road and house construction, medicine, water purification and decontamination
    Report