Societal Engagement
Through social science research a wide range of key stakeholders from agriculture, civil society, industry and government nationally and internationally will be given the opportunity to participate in the research and provide their perspectives on biochar, shaping the demonstrator’s recommendations for biochar’s future production and deployment.
Social Science Research
The core question that will be addressed by the social science in the project is: can biochar contribute to a just low-carbon transition search?
In framing the question in this way we are guided by a well-established body of social research on the concept of ‘just transition’ as well as on environmental justice, climate justice, energy justice, and multispecies justice. This literature shows how interventions to address climate change can create injustices if they are not considered carefully.
Although biochar may help mitigate carbon emissions, it is important to ensure that all relevant stakeholders (current and future, human and nonhuman), are not subjected to any injustices by the application of biochar. A further question of interest for the social science is: what are appropriate policy interventions in relation to biochar’s carbon sequestration potential? Both questions will be approached through the use of a range of qualitative research techniques including document analysis, semi-structured interviews and deliberative workshops providing opportunities for as wide a spectrum of stakeholders as possible to engage with the project.
Find out more using the link to our slide pack below.
