Terraform the Sahara First

From: Mark Hopkins (mark@omnifest.uwm.edu)
Subject: Re: REORBITING VENUS -- SAHARA FIRST!
Newsgroups: sci.physics
Date: 1995/06/10

Abian:

In order to accomplish the remarkably and unprecedented feat of terraforming an entire planet, humankind has first got to prove that it has the capacity, will and resources to do the same on a much smaller scale. No big project, no matter what the ambitions, involving things as large as a planet or moon (e.g. going to the moon) is carried on without ample precedent.

In the case of terraforming Venus, or even Mars, we've got to prove ourselves out on a more at-home case. The ideal candidate -- something that would have immediate benefit for international relations if carried out in conjunction by the international community, and something that will serve to bring Africa back to life and prosperity -- is to TERRAFORM THE SAHARA DESERT!

This has only been a desert for a few thousand years, before which there was lush grassland, rivers, lakes (only one of which is left). What's making it become a larger and larger desert? How can it be stopped? Should it be stopped? If it's reversed, what impact will this have on the Earth's climate? Can this be used as a means to reverse the depletion of rainforests or even to gain experience for the purpose of doing such in other places?

In addition to the benefits (international cooperation, revitalization) cited above, the main benefit to be gained is in proving out and/or developing new technologies to enable us to transform an environment (back) to habitability on a huge scale -- the prerequisite to any terraforming project.

That is Test A. If humankind cannot come together to accomplish such a project, which in comparison to terraforming an entire planet is a paltry joke of a project, then forget the bigger project. If it can come together, but we either find out that it's infeasible, dangerous, or simply too difficult technologically then we find out here and now rather than on some distant planet. Otherwise, good ideas will come forth.

As to physically moving Venus as a means to terraforming -- forget it. No power in this end of the universe is going to allow the pitifully small biological infestation on this Earth comprising the human race to physically move an entire planet to a different orbit!

And even if it did, enough people have already seen Star Wars to know what one could do with such power.