ABSTRACT
Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis needs special emphasis as an environmental model. Most students will have an idea of science as analytical, reductionist and mechanical. They must be clear that Gaia portrays a world that is highly integrated, dynamic and adaptable. This last feature may cause some conflict with the idea of sustainability regarding the human species. As the Earth is explained as a powerful self-regulating system then we need not worry about sustainability. However, we are dependent on cycles (water and carbon) within the global system. Disruption of these could wipe out the human species without causing irreparable damage to the Earth. System change and adaption should be clearly explained in relation to the human timescale.
