Can this ‘burnt toast’-like substance be a key tool in the fight against climate change? [Video]

It might be considered an odd retirement hobby, but Greg Porteous spends his spare time making biochar. 

Biochar is a black, charcoal-like substance created by applying high heat to organic materials such as wood, plant matter and even sewage sludge.

He makes it in his own backyard in Courtenay, B.C., where he has a kiln that he bought online. In goes the organic matter, like brush or old wood pallets, high heat is applied with little to no oxygen and, since there is minimal fire, the fuel is turned into biochar. 

Porteous got the idea after looking into ways he could help fight climate change and reading that making biochar was a good option. He started doing it for himself and his neighbours. 

“It’s just win, win, win. It’s a cascade of positive benefits,” said Porteous.

“The property owner, he gets his woody debris dealt with, the soil gets a …