In the pursuit of controlling climate change, the concept of the “Carbon Hump” has become a significant element in understanding and addressing global warming. Timothy C. Thompson’s book, “Resurrect Titans,” delves into this phenomenon, shedding light on its significance and role in our climate system. By looking at the carbon hump, Thompson provides a compelling case for why mature forests and effective sequestration practices are critical in mitigating climate change.
The carbon hump refers to the period when young, immature forests are less effective at sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) than mature forests. This concept is important because it highlights a gap in the carbon absorption capacity of forests, a gap that worsens the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. Knowing this hump is essential in developing effective climate strategies beyond merely planting trees to foster their growth to full maturity.

Early on in their life cycles, trees take up CO2 at a rather slow rate. However, once mature, they are able to absorb carbon exponentially. For instance, a 30-year-old tree will take in approximately 163 pounds of CO2 annually. On the other hand, a 70-year-old tree can absorb approximately 1,100 pounds annually. This makes the need for letting forests grow until maturity very critical. However, due to deforestation, logging, and land-use changes, many forests remain in a state of perpetual immaturity, trapped in the carbon hump.
The lack of allowing forests to become mature has been a huge omission by present climate policies. Thompson’s “Resurrect Titans” insists that through merely cutting back on emissions and tree planting, we miss a basic point that has to be considered – ensuring that the trees cut reach their full growth levels to maximize carbon sequestration potential. The carbon hump, therefore, points out to a period when there is unutilized carbon sequestration potential of forests into atmospheric CO2 levels, amplifying global warming.
Addressing the carbon hump calls for an all-rounded approach that brings about sustainable forestry management in harmony with policies that encourage forest maturity. A highly effective strategy is natural attrition harvesting, which selectively removes dead or dying trees while preserving the general maturity of the forest. The method maintains the carbon absorptive capacity of the forest but also supports biodiversity and forest health. It would therefore ensure that the forests keep on growing and sequestering carbon at the maximum rates possible.
Thompson also urges protecting mature forests as part of any climate strategies. Mature forests with their stronger abilities of carbon sequestration are highly valued in efforts to counter climate change. The best climate policy should have the conservation of such forests from being destroyed and degraded as core. In addition, long-term growth and sustainability should be considered in reforestation efforts. Newly planted forests have every chance to mature and realize their full carbon sequestration potential.
Public awareness and education are also a critical component in addressing the carbon hump. Understanding the importance of forest maturity will help support policies and practices that promote sustainable forestry management on the part of the individuals and communities. Such collective effort will be very important in creating the systemic changes needed to mitigate climate change effectively.
In conclusion, the carbon hump is one of the significant concepts in climate science, which speaks about a gap in carbon sequestration capacity between young and mature forests. Timothy C. Thompson’s “Resurrect Titans” gives a panoramic overview on this phenomenon, insisting that such sustainable forestry practice requires conservation of mature forests. This would improve the carbon uptake capabilities in our forests, decrease atmospheric CO2 levels, and allow a lot of progress to be achieved about climate change. Knowing and understanding the concept of carbon hump is a necessity towards keeping our future earth productive, resilient, and sustainable.