The Gaia HypothesisA hypothesis about

the stability of natural systems on Earth

A scientific Definition:• The Gaia hypothesis is the scientific study of the biosphere (sum of all eco-systems) and the

physical components of the earth (atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere). These are closely integrated to form a complex interacting system that maintains the climatic and biogeochemical conditions on Earth in a preferred HOMEOSTASIS.

• This Theory was originally proposed by James Lovelock.

• Who is Gaia?The Greek supreme goddess of Earth.

What exactly is the Gaia Hypothesis?

Explanation of the definition

The hypothesis basically states that Biomass modifies the conditions on the planet to make the conditions on the planet more “hospitable”.

Basically, the Hypothesis defines itself as a full Homeostasis.

In a nutshell, to maintain the cycle in which chemical elements and substances are transferred between living systems and their environment , there is always this tendency of a system to attain Equilibrium.

Homeostasis:In a system, there is a tendency towards reaching an equilibrium between inter-dependant elements.

Biogeochemical :Denoting the cycle in which chemical elements and

simple substances are transferred between living system and environment.

• Gaia philosophy revolves around the concepts that living organisms on a planet will affect the nature of their environment in order to make the environment more suitable for life.

• Earth’s ecosystem is literally viewed as a single unified organism.

• Many religious mythologies had a view of Earth as being a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts (e.g. some Native American religions and various forms of shamanism).

• Since we live as part of one planet's photosynthesis chain and trapped within its gravity , we are effectively components of one large body—that being the global ecology of Earth itself.

Philosophy behind Gaia Hypothesis

Value Theory• Value theory encompasses a range of approaches to understanding how, why, and to what

degree humans should value things, whether the thing is a person, idea, object, or anything else.

• Since we are a part of this larger whole- Earth or Gaia, it is our duty to respect and protect and value Gaia.

Revenge of the Gaia• According to James Lovelock, by 2040, the world population of more than six billion will have

been culled by floods, drought and famine. • The people of Southern Europe, as well as South-East Asia, will be fighting their way into

countries such as Canada, Australia and Britain.

• By 2040, parts of the Sahara desert will have moved into middle Europe. • We are talking about Paris as far north as Berlin.

• There will be no growth of plants and all the living systems on planet earth will die!