Oh, Robert!
Gaia may be an interesting theory, may in the long run have some validity. And may not. AND,
Looking at the proven record, many critters are in sad shape.
Looking at the existing trends, many, many critters are going to be in worse shape.
Looking at the willingness of Man to devote significant resources to others than Himself, I'd say the trends will continue.
Gaia is interesting, but if I were a manatee, or panda, I'd suspect my grandkids were in real trouble.
My money wouldn't be on the brains of Man to give much of a rip for me. At least not their hearts, or wallets.
Arf