The Ages of Gaia : A Biography of our Living Earth by James Lovelock
James Lovelock first published his world changing book in 1988: The Ages of Gaia : A Biography of our Living Earth. His idea is that life and the physical characteristics of the Earth have evolved together leading to today’s relatively stable support of life. It’s not that simple, to be sure. For one thing we appear to have been relatively lucky in avoiding massive collisions from space objects over the last 50 million years.
Written for scientists, science students, and those interested in the big picture, Lovelock’s book is not an easy read, but the big picture emerges: the destiny of humanity is inextricably linked with the destiny of life on Earth. He understands the stress that humanity places on the environment with our massive use of agriculture and especially pastures for cattle. “We need a general practitioner of planetary medicine. Is there a doctor out there?” That’s his question.
Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc4IzFWVC50) has a wonderful interview of the 94 year old Lovelock, who begins by explaining why global warming isn’t as bad as it was expected to be. Yes, carbon dioxide has grown, but so has the haze from all the emissions, haze which has reflected more sunlight back into space! It is worth a watch. Seeing Lovelock makes you appreciate his character as much as his thinking.
