Gaia in Action: Science of the Living Earth

by Peter Bunyard (Editor)

James Lovelock's Gaia theory, which views the Earth as a living organism, is widely seen as a vital change in our scientific and cultural outlook on the planet we inhabit. As the developed - and developing - worlds grapple with problems of sustainability on a planetary scale, the implications of Gaia theory are both urgent and critically important.
In scientific terms, Gaia theory suggests rich areas of research, as well as throwing new light on conventional attitudes in biology, climatology and geophysiology. Our human activities, too, so often marked by a careless sense of detachment, come under close scrutiny both socially and culturally.
This fascinating and challenging collection of papers is based on a series of international conferences on Gaia. Leading scientists and authors seek to define exactly what is meant by Gaia in their own disciplines, and to translate these insights into practical ways of relating to the planet as a whole.

Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Christoffer Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best nonfictional books I have read!
It goes through how all Earths natural cycles are connected to each other and
how Earth when all cycles are connected works as one big self regulating planet.
As an example it describes an algae, found in The South Atlantic Ocean, that produce a substance
that makes water evaporate and how they have also found this algae high up in our clouds.
The more natural cycles and different organisms working together, the more stable Earths
ecosystem as a whole is! This book is more important and urgent for everyone to read then ever.

[Marina Dimova · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hypothesis of planet Earth functioning as a complex interactive system is fascinating. And Peter Bunyard is a hero of mine!