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The Vanishing Face of Gaia: A Final Warning (Paperback)

by James Lovelock (Author)

3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

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Product Details

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Basic Books (April 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0465019072
ISBN-13: 978-0465019076

Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Amazon.ca Sales Rank: #212,124 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Why would a ninety year old man choose to defy his most trusted physician? Because in an act of splendid generosity Sir Richard Branson offered him the chance to fly into space, to share that transcendental feeling known only to astronauts - that our home is the Earth itself, not the house or the street or the nation where we live - which for a scientist who has spent a lifetime studying the way our planet works was irresistible.

As climate change develops and poses new problems James Lovelock will offer a view of our and the Earth's possible future in light of this trip differing from that of most scientists and the science of the IPCC. We are trying already to undo some of the harm we have done and will try harder, even desperately, but until we see that the Earth is more than a mere ball of rock we are unlikely to remedy the cause of the change. The root problem is that there are too many people, pets and livestock for the Earth to carry.

The Face of Gaia will tell us why it matters that we see and feel the earth as a living organism. The cost of our neglect of Gaia could soon cause the greatest human tragedy in living memory, because the Earth, in its but not our interests, is now moving into a new hot epoch, one where it can more easily continue to keep the planet habitable. If we are to have any chance to avoiding global catastrophe his words should be heeded.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

James Lovelock is the author of more than 200 scientific papers and the originator of the Gaia Hypothesis (now Gaia Theory). He has written three books on the subject: Gaia: a new look at life on Earth; The Ages of Gaia; Gaia: the practical science of planetary medicine; and an autobiography, Homage to Gaia. He has received many honorary degrees as well as being made Companion of Honour by the Queen in 2003. He has held posts at numerous universities both in the UK and the US and since 1994 has been an Honorary Visiting Fellow of Green College, University of Oxford.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews

3 Reviews

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3.7 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "There are no set of rules or prescription for living with GAIA, there are only consequences", Aug 26 2009

By	Stephen Pletko "Uncle Stevie" (London, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Vanishing Face Of Gaia (Hardcover)

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"-----GAIA THEORY:

A view of the Earth introduced in the 1980s that sees it as a self-regulating system made up from the totality of organisms, the surface rocks, the oceans, and the atmosphere tightly coupled as an evolving system. The theory sees the system as having a goal--the regulation of surface conditions so as always to be favourable for contemporary life as possible. It is based on observations and theoretical models; it...has made eight successful predictions."

The above comes from the glossary of the engrossing and slim book by James Lovelock (who is 90 years old). He is an independent scientist, inventor, author, researcher, environmentalist, and futurist who lives in southwest England. Lovelock is the recipient of many scientific awards and other honours. Given his stature, this writing (as well as his other writings) deserve close attention.

GAIA (named after the Goddess of Earth in Greek mythology) which essentially views the Earth as kind of a super organism has overcome its main critics to become part of a distinguished historical tradition of serious (if not controversial) science. Lovelock and his proponents regard GAIA as a scientific theory since (as stated above) it has passed predictive tests.

Generally, Lovelock, being an independent scientist, lacks confidence in mainstream science climate models. He makes the case that it's too late to prevent global warming (which he calls "global heating"). Thus we must think about how to adapt and act fast. The best chapters (at least for me) concern survival strategies, such as energy and food options. And he tells the reader:

"The few countries likely to escape relatively unscathed [from the effects of climate change and global warming], Canada among them, should figure out how to cope with the millions of environmental refugees that will wash up on their shores."

There is much to be taken away from this book. Some examples: I was initially surprised by Lovelock's preferred energy source until I read his reasoning. He tells us the "best available measure of the heat absorbed by the Earth." and "like it or not, we [the sheer number of humans] are the problem." Lovelock's thoughts on being green (or not) are illuminating.

There are four graphs and three tables found in this book. In the center of the book are thirteen colour photographs. My favourite has the caption:

"The 'Ice Hole,' the vast area of Arctic floating ice that melted in the summers of 2007 and 2008. Like the 'Ozone Hole' it was unpredicted and is potentially deadly."

Finally, don't know what the meanings of such terms as "GAIA theory" or "Earth System Science?" Then check out the helpful glossary at the end of the book. (The meaning of GAIA Theory found at the beginning of this review came from this glossary.)

In conclusion, this is both an entertaining and terrifying book by James Lovelock, an independent, respected scientist. The fact is GAIA will survive in one form or another. But will we??

(first published 2009; list of illustrations; acknowledgements; forward; 9 chapters; main narrative 160 pages; glossary; further reading (references); index)

<<Stephen Pletko, London, Ontario, Canada>>

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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute necessary for everyone to read, Jul 17 2009

By	R. Kellhammer "reading addict" (Mississauga, ON, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Vanishing Face Of Gaia (Hardcover)

The Vanishing Face of Gaia

This book is an absolute must to read for everyone who is remotely interested in conserving our environment. I can only read one chapter at a time, it is so scary, but is a "wake-up" call.
Renate Kellhammer

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1 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars More of the same..., Jul 28 2009

By	Drinse "Drinse" (Calgary, AB,) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Vanishing Face Of Gaia (Hardcover)

Like another reviewer, I could only read this book one chapter at a time. In fact, I gave up halfway through. Because it is the same old alarmist "science" and bad feelings that is scamming us all. I suggest people read some other books that tell the truth about what is happening, and not happening, in our world's climate. Maybe "Red Hot Lies" or "The Chilling Stars", or at least something that doesn't treat our earth like some big ameoba that just needs some tender loving care. It's not our fault, people, it's just normal weather changes over time. But if you follow the money, especially the money to conservationists, you can find out the truth...

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