Gaia hypothesis

[ gey-uh hahy-poth-uh-sis, hi-poth‐ ]

noun

1. a theory advancing the notion that life on earth is perpetuated by the interaction of organisms with their inorganic environment, a process maintained by the earth’s self-regulation of its own material conditions and requirements.

Gaia hypothesis

/ ˈɡaɪə /

noun

1. the theory that the earth and everything on it constitutes a single self-regulating living entity

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gaia hypothesis¹

Coined in 1975 by British environmentalist and futurist James E. Lovelock (1919–2022); Gaia ( def 2 )

Example Sentences

If Earth is one giant organism that we live on, as some scientists speculate in the "Gaia hypothesis," it’s clear that we are extracting resources from that organism like a leech sucking blood.

From Salon

In tune with Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis, she makes points others often overlook, "I see Earth as Mother Nature, as a living, breathing companion. And I want to have a very compassionate and empathetic relationship with 'Spaceship Earth,' and all living beings."

From Salon

The term was meant to evoke the Gaia hypothesis, the Medea hypothesis being somewhat of an opposite.

From Salon

Peter Ward: What really struck me and why I started thinking about Medea, is I really disliked the Gaia hypothesis.

From Salon

When I first encountered this idea of the Gaia hypothesis, I found it very seductive.

From Salon