Timothy C. Thompson’s transformative book, Resurrect Titans, shines a spotlight on a critical, often overlooked solution: the role of tree maturity in combating climate change. By allowing forests to reach full maturity, Thompson argues, humanity can harness their unparalleled ability to sequester carbon and restore balance to Earth’s atmosphere.
Mature Trees: Nature’s Carbon Sinks
In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson explains that mature trees are Earth’s most effective carbon sinks. Unlike younger trees, which are still in early growth phases, mature trees absorb exponentially more carbon dioxide. A single tree that has reached 70 years of age can sequester over 1,000 pounds of CO2 annually, far surpassing the capacity of its younger counterparts. Thompson emphasizes that this unique ability makes mature forests indispensable in the fight against climate change.
The Carbon Hump: A Barrier to Sequestration
Timothy C. Thompson introduces the concept of the “carbon hump” in Resurrect Titans, describing how forests dominated by young trees fail to achieve their sequestration potential. These immature forests, often the result of demand-driven forestry practices, absorb less CO2 and are unable to counterbalance current atmospheric levels. Thompson argues that allowing trees to grow past this carbon hump is essential for maximizing their environmental benefits and reversing global warming.

Tree Maturity and Ecosystem Stability
Beyond their carbon-sequestering capabilities, mature trees play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability. In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson highlights how mature forests regulate water cycles, support biodiversity, and reduce soil erosion. These additional benefits create a ripple effect, enhancing the resilience of ecosystems against the impacts of climate change. By protecting and fostering tree maturity, humanity not only combats global warming but also strengthens the natural systems upon which we depend.
Sustainable Forestry Practices: The Path to Maturity
One of the actionable solutions Timothy C. Thompson proposes in Resurrect Titans is a shift to sustainable forestry practices. He advocates for natural attrition harvesting, which involves removing only dead or dying trees, allowing the remaining forest to mature. This approach ensures a balance between economic needs and environmental preservation. Thompson emphasizes that sustainable practices can produce long-term benefits for both industries and the planet by prioritizing tree maturity.
Economic Opportunities in Mature Forestry
Timothy C. Thompson’s Resurrect Titans also delves into the economic potential of mature forests. By allowing trees to reach their full growth, timber industries can harvest higher-quality wood that commands premium prices. Additionally, mature forests can contribute to carbon markets by generating sequestration credits, creating new revenue streams. Thompson’s vision aligns financial incentives with ecological goals, proving that fostering tree maturity is both an environmental and economic opportunity.
Global Impact: Scaling Tree Maturity Efforts
The benefits of mature forests are not limited to local ecosystems. In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson argues that scaling efforts to protect and restore tree maturity globally could have a profound impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. From tropical rainforests to boreal regions, prioritizing tree maturity is a universal strategy for mitigating climate change. Thompson calls for international collaboration to ensure that these efforts are implemented on a meaningful scale.
Resurrect Titans by Timothy C. Thompson redefines the role of forests in combating global warming by emphasizing the importance of tree maturity. Mature trees, with their unparalleled ability to sequester carbon and stabilize ecosystems, are humanity’s greatest allies in the fight against climate change. Thompson’s work provides a roadmap for integrating sustainable forestry practices and prioritizing tree maturity as a cornerstone of climate action. By embracing the wisdom of Resurrect Titans, we can unlock the potential of these natural Titans and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.