Agricultural waste-derived biochar in a circular bioeconomy: Implications for food security, climate mitigation, and sustainable development goals

The energy-intensive contemporary agricultural production system contributes ∼20–25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the environment. Therefore, global agricultural production systems must transition toward waste-free system to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs are a roadmap for a comprehensive action plan aimed at achieving global prosperity and environmental sustainability. Hence, it is imperative to develop alternative sustainable green materials , viz., biochar, to improve soil health and environmental quality in line with the United Nations SDGs. Biochar is a renewable and valuable carbonaceous product mainly prepared from biomass and has the potential to contribute to food security and environmental sustainability. Biochar can have positive impacts on environmental quality through soil improvement, waste treatment, and GHG emissions reduction, though its effects vary depending on feedstocks, biochar properties, soil and climatic conditions, and application methods. The production and use of biochar are proposed as an innovative technology to fuelled the SDGs, such as no poverty, zero hunger, safe drinking water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and climate protection. However, the impacts of biochar on food production, climate change mitigation, soil and water remediation, and livelihoods need to be critically assessed, which will help researchers and policy planners to set research priorities and policies for cleaner and sustainable agricultural production to achieve the SDGs. Therefore, the present study was planned to assess and synthesize the findings on the impact of biochar uses on agricultural production, environmental quality, and in achieving the SDGs.