ABSTRACT
At its simplest, Gaia theory is a falsifiable scientific hypothesis which posits that Earth’s biosphere interacts with the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere in ways that create planetary conditions conducive to the furtherance of life (Lovelock 1979). In contrast to conventional evolutionary theory, Gaia theory postulates that life (including humans and non-humans following an ecocentrist approach), rather than merely adapting to a fixed environment, co-creates its environment. Gaia theory represents a paradigm shift from reductionism to scientific holism, most evident in its contribution to the integrative field of Earth system science.
