Professor James Lovelock, inventor of the Gaia theory which suggests the planet acts something like a single organism, said in a recent speech that reducing greenhouse gases and moving to sustainable development will not prevent the most disastrous of global warming’s effects.
In fact, Lovelock believes that a rapid reduction in greenhouse gases would actually increase the speed of global warming. He states that global warming is currently partially offset by global dimming, a cooling of 2-3 ̊C caused by atmospheric industrial pollution.
Prof. Lovelock says: “Any economic downturn or planned cutback in fossil fuel use, which lessened aerosol density, would intensify the heating. If there were a 100 per cent cut in fossil fuel combustion it might get hotter not cooler. We live in a fool’s climate. We are damned if we continue to burn fuel and damned if we stop too suddenly.”
Lovelock is skeptical of the IPCC’s most recent report, which he calls “properly cautious.” He believes it gives the false impression that global warming is reversible with immediate action. Lovelock’s own view is somewhat apocalyptic. He suggests that 6 to 8 billion people will face crises over food and water supplies while battling an intolerable climate.
Lovelock does have some suggestions on how to improve the situation. He suggests cutting greenhouse gas emissions anyway, as they may slow the pace of global warming. He also advocates saving natural forests. He still believes, however, that humans will have to adapt to the inevitable changes global warming will bring.
