Climate change is the defining challenge of our era, with the stakes higher than ever before. While emissions reductions have dominated the conversation for decades, Timothy C. Thompson’s Resurrect Titans introduces a new contender: sequestration science. Thompson’s groundbreaking book challenges the status quo by pitting emissions reduction strategies against sequestration, a solution he argues is more effective for addressing the root causes of global warming.
The Emissions Reduction Strategy
In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson acknowledges the importance of emissions reductions, which focus on limiting the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Strategies like renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon taxes have made significant contributions to slowing the rate of climate change. However, Thompson points out a critical flaw: these methods fail to address the billions of tons of CO2 already present in the atmosphere. Emissions reductions, he argues, are a necessary but incomplete solution.

Sequestration Science
Timothy C. Thompson presents sequestration science as a game-changer in Resurrect Titans. Unlike emissions reductions, which target future greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration focuses on removing existing CO2 from the atmosphere. Using nature’s processes, particularly through mature forests, sequestration science offers a measurable and scalable way to combat global warming. Thompson emphasizes that by restoring forest maturity, humanity can harness the unparalleled carbon-absorbing power of these “Titans” to reverse environmental damage.
The Carbon Hump
One of the most compelling concepts in Resurrect Titans is the “carbon hump,” a term Timothy C. Thompson uses to describe the limited sequestration capacity of immature forests. While emissions reductions attempt to limit additional CO2, sequestration directly addresses the backlog of carbon already destabilizing the climate. Mature forests, which are critical to the sequestration process, act as massive carbon sinks capable of removing large amounts of CO2. This distinction, Thompson argues, makes sequestration science a more comprehensive solution.
Complementary, Not Competing, Solutions
While Resurrect Titans positions sequestration science as a more effective tool, Timothy C. Thompson stresses that it is not a replacement for emissions reductions. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach that integrates both strategies. Reducing emissions is essential for slowing the rate of CO2 accumulation, while sequestration science is necessary to eliminate the excess already present. Together, these approaches can create a powerful synergy to combat climate change.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson explores the economic implications of both strategies. While emissions reductions often require upfront investments with delayed returns, sequestration offers immediate and long-term benefits. By prioritizing mature forests and sustainable forestry practices, sequestration not only mitigates climate change but also supports biodiversity, water regulation, and timber industries. Thompson presents sequestration as a financially viable solution that aligns ecological preservation with economic growth.
The Path Forward
Timothy C. Thompson’s vision in Resurrect Titans is clear: humanity must embrace both emissions reductions and sequestration science to secure a livable future. He calls for policymakers, industries, and individuals to invest in sequestration initiatives, protect mature forests, and advocate for comprehensive climate action plans. Thompson’s work provides a roadmap for integrating these strategies, ensuring that the battle of the climate Titans results in a unified front against global warming.
Resurrect Titans by Timothy C. Thompson reframes the climate debate by highlighting the strengths and limitations of both emissions reductions and sequestration science. By championing a dual approach, Thompson offers a path forward that addresses both the causes and consequences of climate change. His book challenges readers to think beyond traditional solutions and embrace the power of mature forests as climate Titans. With sequestration science and emissions reductions working together, a sustainable future is not just possible—it is achievable.