A European friend recently told me about a TV program he saw about Lovelock's Gaia Theory: they got a bunch of scientists together to discuss the Gaia theory, pros and cons. It was a lively debate. Tho most agreed with the broad principle, there was disagreement about how much time we have before the changes and damage are irreversible.

On one issue alone, however, the scientists were in complete agreement: will politicians (if it is left up to them) act in time to save the planet? Their answer: an unequivocal, no!