Climate change continues to be one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, with atmospheric CO2 levels at the heart of the problem. In his groundbreaking book, Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson introduces the concept of the “Carbon Hump Phenomenon,” shedding light on how modern forestry practices have disrupted Earth’s natural carbon cycle. This article explores the insights from his book to understand the profound impact of forestry on atmospheric CO2 levels.
Understanding the Carbon Hump Phenomenon
The “Carbon Hump” refers to a critical juncture in forest maturity where trees transition from being net carbon emitters to powerful carbon absorbers. Thompson explains in Resurrect Titans that most of the world’s forests are stuck in this hump due to unsustainable forestry practices. Immature trees absorb significantly less CO2 compared to mature trees, while their biological processes still release carbon into the atmosphere. This phenomenon leaves Earth’s atmosphere with an excess of CO2 that continues to fuel global warming.
The Role of Forestry Practices in Sequestration Decline
Timothy C. Thompson emphasizes that industrial forestry has prioritized short-term economic gains over environmental health. Practices like clear-cutting and rapid harvesting cycles ensure forests remain in a perpetual state of immaturity. According to Resurrect Titans, 85-95% of the world’s forests are under 45 years old, unable to perform their full sequestration potential. This forestry model not only hampers the restoration of the Earth’s carbon balance but also exacerbates the rising CO2 levels that contribute to climate change.

Why Mature Forests Matter
Mature trees, as Thompson highlights, are vital for reversing global warming. A 30-year-old tree can sequester approximately 163 pounds of CO2 annually, but this number leaps to over 1,100 pounds annually for a 70-year-old tree. In Resurrect Titans, the author presents compelling evidence that allowing forests to mature could offset global CO2 emissions entirely. This underscores the critical need to shift from short-term harvesting practices to strategies that prioritize long-term forest maturity and health.
Impacts of the Carbon Hump on Climate Models
Current climate models often focus on emissions reductions, neglecting the vital role of sequestration. Thompson’s book challenges these models, arguing that they fail to account for the carbon hump’s impact on atmospheric CO2. As forests struggle to mature, the imbalance in sequestration continues to grow, leaving global warming unchecked. Resurrect Titans calls for a re-evaluation of these models to integrate sequestration science and address the true drivers of climate change.
A Path Forward: Resurrecting the Titans
Thompson’s vision for reversing the carbon hump phenomenon is rooted in what he calls Complete Mitigation Science (CMS). This approach emphasizes the need to restore mature forests while introducing sustainable forestry practices. By adopting CMS principles, humanity can resurrect the “Titans” of the forest, unlocking their full potential to combat global warming. In Resurrect Titans, Thompson warns that without this shift, the window to mitigate climate change is rapidly closing.
The carbon hump phenomenon offers a sobering reminder of the unintended consequences of industrial forestry. Timothy C. Thompson’s Resurrect Titans provides a compelling case for rethinking our approach to forest management. By prioritizing forest maturity and embracing sequestration science, we can address the root causes of global warming. It’s a call to action that demands urgent attention, offering hope in the fight against climate change.
This article highlights the need for a collective commitment to restore Earth’s forests and mitigate the devastating effects of rising CO2 levels. As Thompson aptly puts it, “Resurrecting Titans is humanity’s last chance to achieve a livable future.Bottom of Form