There's a LOT more of the author in this interview than anyone interested in James Lovelock will likely want, but the father of the Gaia Theory is always fascinating.

Lovelock is first and foremost a scientist: "I love being a scientist. I don't like it when the Gaia movement is treated like a religion, as if scientists are seen as part of the problem rather than the solution.

"Some of the more recent green hysteria is plain wrong. I know what there is to be worried about and what not to. Flying is not a major problem, not compared with all the CO2 being given out all the time by us and our pets. Flying's only got this reputation because often greening mixes with the bad side of the left, which is to do with envy."

In his new book, The Vanishing Face of Gaia, Lovelock discusses climate change and the environmental policies that makes politicians look good but do "nothing for the Earth." He also shares his fears and hopes for Gaia.