A few years ago I posted an interview with Earth herself,
Gaia, as an Earth Day" column. I didn’t realize that such interviews are quite rare and was a
bit surprised that I couldn’t speak with her. But, as it happens,
the inscrutable Thomas Albert Snead spoke with Gaia only a few weeks
ago. Snead has provided excerpts from his conversation for
posting. Once again Snead pops up where others simply cannot
go. Thus, thanks to T.A. Snead and Gaia.
Snead: It is
indeed a pleasure to meet with you, Mother Earth.
Gaia: Gaia. You
may call me Gaia.
Snead: A
first name basis with the planet, that’s something extraordinary.
Gaia: Not
at all. We’re very intimate. I love you.
Snead: I love
you too. Every day I proclaim my love for Earth and Life.
Gaia: I
am Life, yes. You wanted to ask me some questions?
Snead: I’ve
read several times in various publications, and have heard knowledgeable people
state, that you are dying. Are you dying?
Gaia: What? Do
I look ill?
Snead: No,
you’re radiant.
Gaia: The
people who make these proclamations do not see the whole, they see only what
they don’t like. I always make sure that they see more of what they
give their attention.
Snead: I
think they mean that the climate is changing for the worse because of what
people are doing to you.
Gaia: I,
who create worlds, bullied by people? Nonsense.
Snead: So, climate
change, global warming or cooling, isn’t real?
Gaia: Of
course it’s real. It’s called weather. I am always in
motion, nothing is still or stagnant.
Snead: Are you
upset that humans are putting more carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere? That’s the big cause of global warming, which
is melting the glaciers and ice caps.
Gaia: Plants
must have carbon dioxide to thrive. Why starve plants? Plants
are a source of oxygen that you must have to live. Not a
problem. I store any surplus.
Snead: Fossil
fuels – oil, coal, gas – our use of these foul substances is killing
you. I’m told.
Gaia: You
are fueled by the sun, which for your purposes, is infinite. In
order for you to participate with me, you have to have a certain
form. It took a while for me to get you right, but you are designed
to thrive. Yet using direct energy from the sun would make you a
different Life expression. So I had the plants and minerals store
the sun’s energy for your use. It’s all the same energy, just in
different storage forms. You are welcome to it. I want you
to be happy.
Snead: It’s
difficult for some people to be happy when they see the glaciers melting.
Gaia: I
thought humans said they needed more fresh water. I could, I
suppose, bring in another comet, but I don’t think that’s what you want.
Snead: But
the melting means that the temperature is going up and that has a bad effect on
the eco system.
Gaia: I
am eco system. Glaciers melting is a good
thing. Can you say Great Lakes?
Snead: Can
we discuss evolution?
Gaia: We
already have. Everything is in motion, nothing is static.
Snead: I
mean, how species develop.
Gaia: Every
thought, ever thought, still exists. Life is constantly adding to
itself. This is how any form evolves.
Snead: That’s
a different way of thinking about it.
Gaia: Thinking
is what humans do best, even when they aren’t aware of it.
Snead: Are
we hurting other species with our technology and actions?
Gaia: How
many swallows and bats thrive beneath your bridges? Ever try to
count the number of birds perched on your power lines?
Snead: Okay,
they adapt. As do we. Constant motion, change,
evolution. So, over all, you’re not angry with us?
Gaia: I
love you.
Snead: That’s
good to know.
Gaia: One
last question.
Snead: What’s
the deal with squirrels?
Gaia: Even
humans have their jesters.
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