Forests are essential to life on Earth, acting as the planet’s lungs and vital carbon sinks. However, the loss of mature forests poses a dire threat to global ecosystems and humanity’s survival. In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson explores the catastrophic consequences of failing to protect mature forests and highlights their irreplaceable role in combating climate change.
The Role of Mature Forests in Climate Regulation
Mature forests are unparalleled in their ability to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) and regulate the planet’s climate. In Resurrect Titans, Thompson explains that mature trees can absorb up to 1,100 pounds of CO2 annually—far more than younger trees. Without mature forests, the Earth’s natural ability to balance atmospheric CO2 levels diminishes, leading to accelerated global warming and severe climate disruptions.
Biodiversity Loss: A Looming Crisis
Mature forests are home to an incredible array of biodiversity. Timothy C. Thompson emphasizes in Resurrect Titans that these ecosystems support countless species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that depend on the stability provided by old-growth forests. Without these habitats, species extinction rates will soar, disrupting food chains and weakening ecosystems worldwide.
The Economic Consequences of Forest Loss
The absence of mature forests would have profound economic implications. In Resurrect Titans, Thompson highlights how forests provide critical ecosystem services such as water purification, soil stabilization, and resources for industries like agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Losing mature forests would increase costs for these services, burdening economies and threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on forest resources.

Increased Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
Forests act as natural barriers against disasters such as floods, landslides, and hurricanes. Thompson warns in Resurrect Titans that without mature forests, communities will face heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. The loss of forest cover exacerbates soil erosion, disrupts water cycles, and amplifies the severity of disasters, leading to greater loss of life and property.
The Impact on Carbon Sequestration
In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson introduces the concept of the “carbon hump,” a phenomenon where the lack of mature forests prevents adequate carbon sequestration. Without these Titans, CO2 levels in the atmosphere will continue to rise unchecked, making emission reductions insufficient to combat climate change. The result is an accelerated march toward environmental collapse.
A Call for Sustainable Forestry Practices
To avoid a future without mature forests, Thompson advocates for sustainable forestry practices in Resurrect Titans. He emphasizes the importance of natural attrition forestry, a method that allows forests to mature by selectively harvesting only dead or dying trees. This approach not only preserves biodiversity but also ensures that forests maintain their critical ecological functions.
The Urgency of Protecting Remaining Titans
Time is running out to protect the world’s remaining mature forests. Thompson warns in Resurrect Titans that deforestation, driven by demand for timber and agricultural land, has pushed global forests to a tipping point. Immediate action is required to halt deforestation, restore degraded lands, and adopt policies that prioritize forest maturity.
Building a Future with Resilient Forests
A world without mature forests is a world on the brink of disaster. In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson presents a compelling case for preserving and restoring these ecological giants. By adopting sustainable forestry practices and recognizing the vital role of mature forests, humanity can secure a future where ecosystems thrive, economies flourish, and the planet’s climate remains stable.
A Collective Responsibility
Timothy C. Thompson’s Resurrect Titans is both a warning and a guide. The loss of mature forests is not an inevitable outcome—it is a choice. By prioritizing forest conservation and adopting sustainable practices, we can avert a bleak future and restore the Titans of our forests. Protecting mature forests is not just an environmental imperative; it is a moral and existential responsibility for humanity.