Tim Lenton Interviewed by Matthew Stadlen

Climatologist and earth system scientist Professor Tim Lenton talks about the life of his friend and inspiration, James Lovelock, developer of the Gaia hypothesis.

Lovelock, who died in July at the age of 103, was an independent scientist and futurist who developed a theory that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system. His theories have attracted a widespread following, particularly among environmentalists. He was also a lifelong inventor and developed many scientific instruments. Some of these were for NASA, where he was working on instruments to analyse extra-terrestrial atmospheres when he developed the Gaia theory.

Lenton says he was inspired by reading Lovelock’s books whilst an undergraduate. He is director of the Global Systems Institute and chair in climate change and earth system science at the University of Exeter where his work focuses on understanding the Earth as a system, modelling evolution, ecology and climate tipping points, and identifying positive tipping points towards sustainability. Here he talks to former LBC radio host and BBC presenter Matthew Stadlen.