Dr. James Lovelock, the creator of the Gaia theory of how Earth regulates itself to sustain life, has published an article in today's
Independent (UK) in which he says "forget it, we're toast." The article is a short preview of his forthcoming book, "The Revenge of Gaia," in which he presumably sets out in detail why he thinks Earth's eco-system has passed the point of no return. According to Lovelock, "billions will die" and the human species will be reduced to a few breeding pairs living in the Arctic, which will be the only spot on the planet with a bearable climate. And it's coming sooner than we think.
I have to say, it's hard to digest the thought. But one of my first reactions is to find Dr. Lovelock's attitude a little creepy. Indeed, his suggestion for what to do with this information suggests, or at least could easily be used as, a justification for creating a sort of Fortress UK: "all for himself and may the Devil take the hindmost."
So here's a request. Debunk the prediction, if you wish, but I'd like to hear what people think should be done on the assumption Dr. Lovelock is correct. If Earth has only a few decades left in which it can sustain life on a large scale, what are the implications for how we act, personally and politically?