Intelligence Squared A Fresh Perspective on Life on the Blue Planet, with Ferris Jabr
Aug 28, 2024
Ferris Jabr, a Contributing Writer for The New York Times Magazine and author of 'Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life,' presents a compelling perspective on Earth's ecosystems. He discusses the Gaia hypothesis, viewing the planet as a self-regulating entity. The conversation dives into the vital roles of microbes and plankton in our atmosphere, the urgency of addressing climate change, and innovative restoration efforts like Pleistocene Park. Jabr emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the need for diverse viewpoints on environmental challenges.
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Journey into the Earth
- Ferris Jabr descended into a South Dakota gold mine with geomicrobiologists.
- They searched for microbes living in rock fissures, surviving without sunlight or oxygen by consuming metal and rock.
Gaia Hypothesis
- Earth's systems are deeply interconnected, influencing each other in subtle ways.
- This concept, the Gaia hypothesis, suggests life and the planet form a self-regulating system.
Plankton's Power
- Plankton, more than just whale food, plays a vital role in Earth's systems.
- They oxygenated the atmosphere, influence cloud formation, and even fertilize ecosystems like the Amazon.
