ABSTRACT
Gaia theory emerged as a falsifiable scientific hypothesis which posits Earth as a living system whose biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere create conditions conducive to the furtherance of life. Yet Gaia theory’s sociopolitical impact may be even greater. While Gaia theory’s implications for global governance are unclear at this early juncture, some broad principles are discernible. One model of Gaian governance is a nested system of participatory democratic polities from the neighborhood to the global level. Until now, Gaia has apparently operated without purpose or planning. Intentional self-regulation represents a fundamentally new state of Gaia: Gaia 2.0. In a time when anxiety and despair threaten our capacity for positive action, Gaia reminds us that people are an integral part—and an astonishing result—of an evolutionary process that has unfolded on our home planet for 4.5 billion years.
