Critically assess the view that the Gaia hypothesis is the most coherent approach to environmental issues

In beginning to answer this question, it is important to first break it down. This question is asking you to “critically assess”, which means that you must form a judgement from the start and state in your introduction what your argument will be. So, you must decide whether the Gaia hypothesis is the most coherent approach or not. It is important also to state what you mean by “most coherent”. Finally, you must address the topic of environmental issues within your answer.
Introduction: State what the Gaia hypothesis is and briefly outline the theory- formed by the chemist James Lovelock and the microbiologist Lynn Margulis.Importantly within the introduction, you must state the position you will take within this essay. For the sake of this example, I will argue that the Gaia hypothesis is not the most coherent approach to environmental issues. Why is this? The Gaia hypothesis does offer an articulate approach to the topic of environmental issues, however it fails to stand up to scientific scrutiny and unfortunately, is a theory suspended between a metaphor and unverifiable empirical evidence.Paragraph 1: Explain and explore Lovelock’s theory. What is it, what does it challenge and what does it aim to achieve?Paragraph 2: Move on to exploring the environmental issues we are facing currently - give examples of global warming, deforestation, the rise in temperatures etc. aim to give at least two concrete examples of environmental issues.Paragraph 3: From exploring the current environmental issues, I think it would be important to highlight the positive implications of the Gaia theory - the fact that it makes us look at the world as a whole, and challenges the dominant anthropocentric theory. Perhaps use Micheal Northcott to support Lovelock (Northcott argues how the environmental crisis arose with modernity and the rise of individualism, which is closely associated with the quest for material wealth) Moreover, you can also use Lynn White, who also argues for a more holistic approach to looking at the earth, encouraging a move away from a Christian perspective on the environment (Christianity legitimatised and encouraged humanities aggressive domination of nature) Paragraph 4: However - the Gaia hypothesis needs greater secure foundationsCriticised for lack of scientific evidenceGoes against Darwin’s theory of natural selectionStephen Jay Gould - Gaia is only a metaphorical description which offers no methodological insights into how to help the crippling planet.Conclusion: Important to state that the Gaia hypothesis fails to be grounded in concrete empirical evidence and therefore is of little use. The holistic nature of the theory does make us aware of the symbiotic nature of the environment, but in the current environmental crisis this is not enough.