Reviewed by Lynley Capon
Global warming has become a serious concern and a topic of constant discussion at the top echelons of governments and among world powers. So much is written and said that many people turn away or tune out.
Some may ask, “Who needs another book on global warming?” But how can such an issue that drastically affects everyone receive too much attention? Scientist James Lovelock’s book The Revenge of Gaia (2006, Penguin, London, 177 pages) deserves a close look.
With a surprisingly entertaining style, Lovelock presents some controversial ideas, including his advocacy of nuclear power. He argues that nuclear power is the cleanest, safest and most efficient means to generate electricity. “What about nuclear-waste disposal?” you may cry, as I did, and he answers plausibly on that issue too.
The author attacks the “greenies” as “eco-fascists” and for some ideas that he deems unhelpful to sustaining Gaia (the planet). He assails the First World for its paranoia about cancer and carcinogens, praises the usefulness of DDT as a pesticide, and criticises the value of windmills.
Eighty-six-year-old Lovelock has written many scientific papers. His Gaia theory, named for a Greek goddess who personifies the Earth, fills his earlier books too (Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth; The Ages of Gaia; and Gaia: The Practical Science of Planetary Medicine).
The theory suggests the Earth is a living, dynamic entity that works for its own survival. In The Revenge of Gaia, Lovelock argues that the planet has started to fight back against humans. If we don’t act to slow global warming, we’ll become extinct as Gaia turns too inhospitable for us.
The author’s solutions may be questionable too. He writes, “I suppose it might be possible to support, without disabling Gaia, the eight billion people who will soon be living. To do it, we would have to uncouple ourselves from the metabolism of the planet. We might, once fusion (that is nuclear-power generation) is running, produce all the energy we need, but we would still be farming far too much of the planetary surface and no doubt threatening ocean ecosystems also. So I like to speculate on the possibility that we could synthesise all the food needed by eight billion people and abandon agriculture.” Tell that to a farmer.
As someone who cares deeply for the Earth and its health, I recycle paper, glass and cans, avoid plastic bags for groceries and compost vegetable waste. I even support Greenpeace.
But having read The Revenge of Gaia, I realise how miniscule my efforts are. The planet’s survival hinges on so much more. Lovelock’s readers may begin to review their thinking and behaviours.
Approval rating: 75 per cent
For more information: www.ecolo.org/lovelock/
(December 19, 2007)
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