347 | Lessons from the Amazon to Help with Climate Change with Brando Crespi
Brando Crespi is the Founder and Executive Chair of Global Biochar Inc, a company focused on the deployment of biochar and green charcoal as the most effective way to mitigate our climate crisis while also addressing food security, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and global health issues.
He also focuses on philanthropic and advisory work. As the co-founder in 1985, and still executive vice-chair of the Brazilian-born NGO Pro Natura International (PNI), for more than three decades, Crespi has helped design, fund, and implement developmental projects, many using biochar and climate smart agriculture (CSA), in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Over the last decades, PNI has deployed 1.6 billion euros in 63 countries and has helped lift over 7 million people out of what was often abject poverty.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Using Biochar to Help Solve the Climate Crisis: Interview Transcript with Brando Crespi
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You can read the ffull transcript of this episode here
Key Topics on Biochar as a Solution for the Climate Crisis with Brando Crespi
Overview of Biochar
Biochar Origins and Importance
Amerindian observations of charcoal-enhanced soil fertility
Charcoal as habitat for beneficial bacteria, fungi, and organisms
Soil becoming up to 900% more fertile
Amerindian Innovation
Use of ground charcoal and household waste to terraform the Amazon
Creation of fertile soils supporting large cities
Modern Applications of Biochar
Success Stories in Agriculture
Significant yield improvements in Northern Senegal
Transforming sterile sand into productive land near the Sahara
Water savings and secured food production in harsh environments
Environmental Impact
Biochar’s benefits on sandy soils versus limitations on clay soils
Creating carbon sinks via pyrolysis to decarbonize the atmosphere
Social and Economic Impact
Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation
Lifting 7 million people out of poverty through sustainable practices
Combination of bottom-up empowerment with top-down support
Addressing the crisis of hope in developing regions through local engagement
Youth Concerns and Climate Change
Balancing Financial Stability with Social Impact
Emails from young listeners worried about making a positive impact
Advice for Meaningful Work
Crespi's encouragement to find like-minded collaborators
Importance of community initiatives like guerrilla gardening
Industry Accountability and Misinformation
Comparisons to tactics used by the tobacco industry
Legal pressures and the significance of carbon taxes
Brando Crespi’s Business Strategy
Financial Strategy and Innovations
Soil science and biochar's role in generating carbon credits
Development of proprietary "bio carbon" for use in the carbon black market
Production goals and industry interest in the plastics sector
Broad Impact and Production Plans
Providing biochar for regenerative farming and agriculture
Hopeful Outlook on Climate Solutions
Promoting Climate Awareness
Emphasis on existing solutions and the need for political will
Collective effort in evolving conscious climate practices
Community Engagement and Education
Local Engagement Strategies
Identifying natural leaders in communities and fostering peer education
School initiatives in Nigeria and community-driven visionary planning
Contrasts with Traditional Development Models
Success in avoiding underutilized infrastructure
Appreciation of Indigenous Wisdom
Insights from indigenous cultures on sustainability and interconnectedness
Adoption of native wisdom and ecological practices like rewilding
Podcast and Guest Introduction
Brando Crespi’s Background
His work in climate crisis mitigation and the founding of Pro Natura International
Impact of Brando Crespi's initiatives across 63 countries
Experience in Amazon and Biochar Discovery
Brando Crespi’s reflections on Amazon’s ecological challenges and significance
Influence of environmentalist James Lovelock on biochar’s potential
Community Involvement and Contact Information
Engaging with the Podcast Community
Encouragement to subscribe, review, and suggest future guests
Providing Crespi’s LinkedIn and Global Biocarbons website as resources
Highlight of Local Climate Tech Community
New Mexico Startup Forum and local initiatives like “Batteries and Beer”
Conclusion and Next Steps
Pending Conversation Topics
Future discussions on detailed biochar applications
Brando Crespi’s upcoming plans and projects in the biochar industry