The Gaia Theory, developed by James Lovelock, is that life on earth functions as a single organism; that air, water, rocks, land and creatures work together to keep the earth "comfortable" for its inhabitants, the living organisms. While at first Lovelock's theory was controversial; and, in fact, strong interpretations of his theory are still discounted; the essential concept that humans and other organisms can have a profound impact on the environment -- and that the happiness and comfort of humankind should not be pursued to the exclusion of all other organisms -- is now almost universally accepted. One example of Gaia theory in action is that, although the sun's luminosity has increased by 30% since the earth was born, temperatures suitable for life have been maintained through alterations in the earth's atmosphere.
'Gaia' is the name of the Greek goddess of the earth and was suggested by novelist William Golding as a name for Lovelock's theory.
'Strong' and 'weak' Gaia theory
At the extreme end of Gaia theory is that the earth is a single unified organism and that she is consciously altering the climate to make her inhabitants more comfortable. In the middle of the spectrum are those who explain that homeostasis, or the achievement of balance, does not require conscious control but is carried out as the earth, air, and organisms co-evolve. At the weak end of Gaia theory is the now-accepted viewpoint that humans and other animals have altered the composition of the planet.
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