Science Forums 2

[davidgmills]

Taildragerdriver:

"We hope to get funding under this grant for our work if the Los Alamos grant application fails, or use it as joint funding if we get the Los Alamos grant."

I think this is a great project for a grant. But if you are trying to reach politicians and make talking points for them, I think you went over their head.

My suggestion is to first tell politicians about what terra preta is. It really is a very interesting history and science lesson on several levels. Give some talking points about the people who discovered it, how scientists think it might have been made and most of all make the point it is charcoal.

There was nothing in your talking points that made these points in anything but a very subtle way. Politically, it makes sense to give credit to the aboriginal peoples of this continent and makes us all see them in a different light. That will sure get their support. (They may be in the process of taking back their continent anyway).

Secondly, everyone knows about charcoal. But the idea that charcoal can help us all needs to be front and center in the minds of everyone. So mention the word numerous times and make sure you talk about how it is different from ash.

Bottom line. You have to make sure people clearly understand it is about putting charcoal in the soil.

My two cents.