The Gaia Hypothesis

Gaia Hypothesis

James Lovelock 1979Earth is a “super organism”

It is alive

Like one single organism

Name is from Greek Earth Godess - Gaia

One step further than “Mother Earth”

Lovelock is a reputable scientist with a hypothesis that is pretty far out

Proposed as a testable scientific hypothesis

“ Gaia is a complex entity involving the Earth’s biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and soil; the totality constituting a feedback of cybernetic system which seeks and optimal physical and chemical environment for life on this planet”

James Lovelock

How Does Gaia Work?

Life regulates the climate and atmosphere at an optimum for itself

Homeostasis

But, the earth is mostly dead rock. How can it be alive?

A redwood tree is mostly dead, but it is very clearly alive

Homeostatic Mechanisms on Earth

Atmospheric chemistry is tightly controlled by GaiaAt 25% oxygen fires would be very much more

frequentLess than 21% oxygen would prevent multicellular

animal life

Temperature controlAlbedo – reflectivity of earthClouds prevent heating of earth

Heat produces clouds because of increased evaporationJames Lovelock with David S.

Lovelock’s Arguments for GAIA

Human activities will not affect the Earth permanentlyGaian homeostatic

mechanisms will control Earth’s environments

The problem is that Earth’s reaction to human activities may actually threaten our existence

The Hour with James Lovelock

Discussion Questions

What are the major points of the Gaia Hypothesis?

According to the Gaia Hypothesis, how is Earth unique?

What is climate change a sign of?

What are the implications for Canada according to Lovelock?

Does James Lovelock feel he is listened to by others?

How and why do people disagree with Lovelock?

Assignment

Do you agree or disagree with the Gaia Hypothesis?

You are required to use at least 3 references from the video or readings below to support you stance. Be sure to use proper referencing format.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/apr/28/scienceofclimatechange.biodiversity

http://www.gaiatheory.org/overview/