GAIA
n. uncountablen. the idea that the Earth and all the living things on it work together like one single living system. It suggests that life helps keep the planet's environment stable and healthy.
n. the hypothesis or theory that the Earth and its biological systems behave as a single, self-regulating entity to maintain the conditions for life. Often used in ecological and philosophical contexts to describe planetary homeostasis.
The Gaia theory suggests that the Earth is a self-regulating system.
Environmentalists often refer to Gaia when discussing how human activity disrupts the delicate balance of the planet's atmosphere.
Proponents of the Gaia hypothesis argue that the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere are closely integrated, functioning as a complex feedback loop that sustains the habitability of the entire globe.
Usually treated as a proper noun and capitalised; often used without an article.