Climate change has become one of the most pressing crises of our time, yet many solutions fail to address the root cause of the problem, sequestration decline. In Resurrect Titans, Timothy C. Thompson presents a bold new perspective on climate mitigation, arguing that restoring sequestration capacity is humanity’s last real chance to reverse global warming. Without action, Earth’s ability to regulate CO₂ will continue to collapse, leading to catastrophic consequences for future generations.
Understanding Sequestration Decline
Sequestration is the natural process by which forests absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to balance the planet’s atmospheric composition. However, as Timothy C. Thompson explains in Resurrect Titans, human activities primarily deforestation and poor forestry management—have drastically reduced this capacity. Over 85% of the world’s forests are now immature due to continuous harvesting cycles, meaning they no longer sequester carbon at the levels they once did. This decline has created what Thompson calls the “carbon hump”, where CO₂ emissions outpace the planet’s ability to absorb them, leading to accelerating climate change.
Why Mature Trees Are Essential for Carbon Sequestration
Many climate policies focus solely on reducing emissions, but Resurrect Titans highlights why this approach is incomplete. The key to reversing global warming lies in mature forests, which absorb exponentially more CO₂ than younger trees. A tree at 70 years old can absorb over 1,100 lbs. of CO₂ per year, while a 30-year-old tree absorbs only a fraction of that amount. Unfortunately, modern forestry practices prevent trees from reaching these crucial maturity levels. Timothy C. Thompson argues that unless humanity prioritizes forest maturity, sequestration decline will continue, and emissions reductions alone will not be enough to stop climate disaster.
The Urgency
One of the most alarming points in Resurrect Titans is the timeline of sequestration collapse. Timothy C. Thompson warns that without immediate changes, the planet will reach an irreversible tipping point within the next 25-35 years. At that point, global warming will accelerate beyond human control, leading to massive ecological breakdowns, extreme weather events, and widespread food and water shortages. Sequestration decline is not a distant problem—it is happening now. Every year that forests remain trapped in immaturity, we lose critical CO₂ absorption potential.
A Sequestration-Based Climate Solution
While the situation is dire, Resurrect Titans provides a clear solution: Complete Mitigation Science (CMS). This method, developed by Timothy C. Thompson, focuses on restoring sequestration capacity by allowing trees to mature and maximizing forest carbon storage. Unlike emission reduction strategies that rely on uncertain technological advancements, CMS is based on proven natural processes that have regulated Earth’s climate for millions of years. By shifting forestry policies to prioritize tree maturity and implementing sequestration-enhancing practices, humanity can reverse climate change permanently rather than just slowing it down.
Why Governments and Industries Must Act Now
Fixing sequestration decline requires urgent action from both policymakers and industries. Governments must implement stricter forestry regulations to prevent premature harvesting and provide incentives for sustainable forestry practices. Meanwhile, the timber industry must recognize the economic and environmental benefits of natural attrition harvesting, a method outlined in Resurrect Titans that allows for sustainable wood production without sacrificing sequestration potential. As Timothy C. Thompson emphasizes, a collaborative effort between industries, governments, and individuals is essential if we are to have any hope of reversing sequestration decline before it is too late.
The decline of sequestration is the missing piece in the climate change puzzle. While emissions reductions are important, they will fail without a simultaneous effort to restore forest maturity. Resurrect Titans by Timothy C. Thompson lays out a clear and actionable path to solving this crisis, but time is running out. If humanity does not act now, we may pass the point of no return, leaving future generations to face a world plagued by extreme climate instability. The choice is clear: either we restore sequestration capacity now, or we lose our last chance to save the planet.