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In 1957, English scientist James Lovelock w Lovelock spark invented the electron capture detector re se arch into how hed to measure the amounts of chemical uman activity was aff pollutants in water, air, and soil. He found ecting our planet, and be evidence of contamination in plants and an inspiration focame animals. This showed that compounds environmental m r the ovement. known as CFCs, which were used in spray cans and other items, were DESTROYING EARTH’S or w OZONE LAYER – the layer that shields us from the Sun’s the harmful ultraviolet rays. CFCs were eventually banned.
This instrument was designed by Lovelock in the 1960s to measure CFC concentrations.
way… By the is named y My theor e ancient h after t ddess of Greek go Gaia. Earth,
Living Earth Lovelock is most famous for his GAIA THEORY, a new way of thinking about Earth as one giant organism. Working with American microbiologist Lynn Margulis, he proposed that Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land, and organisms interact to maintain conditions suitable for life – much as warm-blooded animals regulate body temperature.
James Lovelock The ENVIRONMENTALIST whose vision of Earth as a vast, living organism changed the way we see our world 46
