How Does Hemp Help The Fight Against Climate Change?

As we humans search for sustainable solutions to tackle climate change (most of us anyway), hemp struts its stuff as a bona fide baddie in the battle against hugely concerning carbon levels. Often overshadowed by its famous cousin, marijuana, this versatile plant known as hemp is a dead-set environmental champion, especially when it comes to capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Prep your peepers because we're about to dive into the science.

But what is carbon sequestration, you may ask? Basically, it's all about capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and locking it away, either in natural reservoirs like forests and oceans or through innovative methods like carbon capture technology. This process is essential in reducing the greenhouse effect and helping to slow down climate change. Fortunately, certain plants and trees are particularly good at absorbing CO2, and you wouldn't believe it, but hemp is bloody one of them!

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) isn’t just your common house plant; it’s a carbon-sequestering juggernaut. Unlike burning fossil fuels, which release carbon into the atmosphere, hemp actively pulls CO2 from the air as it grows. This makes it a key player in any carbon offset strategy.

One of the reasons hemp is so effective at capturing carbon is its rapid growth rate and ability to produce a lot of biomass in a short time. It only takes a few months for hemp to grow to full maturity, offering significantly more organic material per acre than many other crops. This explosion of hemp life means more carbon is absorbed and stored—hooray!

Hemp’s extensive root system adds to its carbon-sequestering credentials. These amazing roots reach deep into the soil, helping to stabilise the plant as well as store carbon beneath the Earth. The icing on the cake is hemp’s roots foster healthy soil by promoting microbial activity, which aids even further in carbon capture.

But hemp’s carbon benefits don’t stop there—oh no, no, no. When used in construction, particularly in the form of hempcrete—a mixture of hemp fibres, lime, and water—the plant continues to sequester carbon. Hempcrete not only traps the carbon from the hemp fibres but also keeps absorbing CO2 as it hardens over time, making it a carbon-negative building material.

Hemp is also stepping up as a renewable alternative to carbon-heavy resources. Hemp-derived materials can replace traditional plastics, which are notorious for their fossil fuel origins and high greenhouse gas emissions—not to mention the time they take to break down in the environment. By choosing hemp-based products, we can reduce our reliance on carbon-intensive materials and move towards a more sustainable future.

Despite its MANY advantages, hemp still faces hurdles like regulatory restrictions, limited infrastructure, and the stigma of being linked to marijuana. Overcoming these challenges requires teamwork and collaboration across multiple stakeholder groups—policymakers, researchers, farmers, and the public all have a role to play in unleashing hemp’s full potential as a carbon-sequestration powerhouse.

With the facts laid out, it's clear to see the untapped potential hemp has in the fight against climate change. With its rapid growth, deep roots, carbon-negative construction materials, and potential to replace carbon-intensive and non-biodegradable products, hemp offers a natural solution to our carbon crisis. By getting behind hemp and its environmental benefits, we can continue pushing towards a more sustainable future and take meaningful action against climate change.

Hot Hemp Facts:

Carbon Sequestration Rate:

Studies have shown that hemp can sequester between 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of harvested dry hemp biomass. This is based on research conducted by the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) and other agricultural institutions.

Comparison to Trees:

Hemp has been found to be more efficient at sequestering carbon compared to many tree species. For example, according to a study published in the Journal of Industrial Hemp, hemp can sequester up to 4 times more carbon per acre than forests.

Growth Rate:

Hemp's rapid growth rate is a significant factor in its carbon sequestration capabilities. On average, hemp can grow up to 16 feet in a single growing season, with some varieties reaching maturity in just 70-90 days. This rapid growth allows for more efficient CO2 absorption.

Biomass Production:

A study published in the journal Biomass and Bioenergy found that hemp can yield between 2.5 to 6.5 tonnes of dry biomass per acre, depending on growing conditions and cultivation practices. This biomass represents a significant carbon sink.

Root System and Soil Carbon:

Research conducted by the Rodale Institute and other agricultural research organisations has demonstrated the positive impact of hemp's deep root system on soil carbon levels. Hemp's extensive root network promotes soil aggregation and organic matter accumulation, leading to increased soil carbon sequestration.

Carbon-negative Building Materials:

Hempcrete, a hemp-based building material, has been shown to sequester approximately 110 kilograms of CO2 per cubic metre of material over its lifespan. This data comes from lifecycle assessments conducted by organisations like the International Hemp Building Association (IHBA).

Regenerative Agriculture Practices:

Studies on regenerative hemp farming practices, such as no-till farming and cover cropping, have indicated significant improvements in soil carbon levels. For example, a study published in Agronomy Journal found that no-till hemp cultivation increased soil organic carbon by 27% compared to conventional tillage methods.

Global Potential:

The potential for hemp's global impact on carbon sequestration is substantial. According to estimates from the European Commission, widespread adoption of hemp cultivation in Europe alone could sequester up to 15-20 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.