To access this work you must either be on the Smith College campus OR have valid Smith login credentials.

On Campus users: To access this work if you are on campus please Select the Download button.

Off Campus users: To access this work from off campus, please select the Off-Campus button and enter your Smith username and password when prompted.

Non-Smith users: You may request this item through Interlibrary Loan at your own library.

Publication Date

2025-5

Document Type

Capstone

Study Type

ENV 312

Department

Environmental Science and Policy

Advisors

Alexander Barron

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the potential of biochar as a climate mitigation strategy in urban areas, as these are vulnerable to symptoms of climate change such as flooding and temperature rise. Biochar is an organic material capable of sequestering carbon and absorbing excess water and has historically been used in agricultural settings to improve crop yields. Through literature review, interviews, and spatial analysis, our study builds on the limited research on the urban usage of biochar, specifically in the context of the downtown urban forest of Northampton, Massachusetts. We conclude that the utilization of biochar on urban trees via the “Stockholm” solution has the potential to improve urban tree cover in the downtown area; however, more research is needed in order to determine the possibility of Northampton producing its own biochar. Our study provides a foundation for future research on urban biochar usage that could eventually help with local mitigation of climate change related stresses

Rights

©2025 Riley McKenna and Taylor Zwei

Download

Smith Only:
Off Campus Download

Share

COinS