Animate Earth

"Animate Earth represents systems science at its best. I defy you not to be swept along by Stephan Harding's account of how the Earth's natural systems (particularly the carbon cycle) have evolved and of our part in them. In the process, he brings the concept of Gaia to life, not just in terms of the science, but philosophically and personally-giving a whole new dimension to what 'environment-friendly' really means." -- Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission "The conception of the Earth as a living, self-organising system, known today as Gaia theory, is an ancient idea and yet one of the most radical and far-reaching scientific theories of the 20th century. In this remarkable book, Stephan Harding, who has worked closely with James Lovelock, tells the story in a way that is scientifically sophisticated, yet easy to understand and captivating. Harding writes about Gaia with great passion, and he eloquently discusses the theory's philosophical, social and political implications. I recommend Animate Earth to everyone concerned about the fate of our planet." -- Fritjof Capra, author of The Web of Life and The Hidden Connections "Stephan Harding is one of the few people who knows how to link the science of Gaia with the spirit of Gaia. He shows us that we must understand Gaia not just as an idea in our heads; we must also experience ourselves as part of her living being. . . . A brave book which may upset people from both sides of the divide he seeks to bridge - which makes it all the more essential reading for those seeking to respond to the challenges of our times." -- Peter Reason, Professor of Action Research Practice, School of Management, University of Bath "For depth of understanding of Earth functioning and our human role in the process, Stephan Harding's Animate Earth is the finest of recent studies. It should be read, meditated on, and adopted as a guide to our human course of action if we would avoid the disaster of an ecological collapse of life on Earth." -- Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth To read Animate Earth is to be taken on an incredible journey as Stephan invokes myth and storytelling to bring the living systems of Gaia to life * transitionconsciousness.wordpress.com * "A wonderful and beautiful book." -- James Lovelock

Dr. Stephan Harding holds a doctorate in ecology from the University of Oxford. He is the Co-ordinator of the MSc in Holistic Science at Schumacher College, where he is also Resident Ecologist and a teacher on the short course programme. He lives in Dartington, Devon, where the college is based.

Preface by Lynn Margulis. Foreword by Brian Goodwin. Introduction. Anima Mundi. Encountering Gaia. From Gaia Hypothesis to Gaia Theory. Life and the Elements. Carbon Journeys. Life, Clouds and Gaia. From Microbes to Cell Giants. The Forgotten Kingdom. Desperate Earth. Gaia and Biodiversity. In Service to Gaia. Bibliography. Index.