Terraforming Venus

Terraforming is, essentially, reworking a planet so that it becomes more Earthlike. Largely, that involves manipulating the atmosphere, if only because we don't yet know how to alter geologic processes. Mars is almost always the subhect of the debate over whether or not to terraform, both because, as advocates see it, Mars has the most potential as a second home for humanity and because terraforming Mars seems relatively straightforward.

Another possible terraforming target, however, is Venus. Virtually Earth's twin in size, it no doubt has vast material resources under its hellish atmosphere. The basic process that led to such an environment is understood. The question is: Could we intervene in that process, break the necessary cycles, and establish a new, stable environment conducive to humans? That would be terraforming-- and the prize would be a world rich in natural resources and well-positioned to allow us to take full advantage of solar power.

Terraforming Venus would be a huge, complex project, but it has one advantage. Venus is a biologically dead world. Mars, on the other hand, may have had life at some point-- and may still have it. Changing Mars to suit ourselves, therefore, may have a moral dimension. If advocates of terraforming want to spread life through the cosmos, they should perhaps see Venus as a place to develop their skills.