Earthfrom

Earthfrom is a term used in speculative discourse to describe a theoretical approach to creating or restoring Earth-like conditions on another world or in an artificial habitat by adjusting environmental parameters to closely match Earth's climate, chemistry, and biosphere. It is discussed as both a planning framework for long-term habitability and a philosophical benchmark for evaluating planetary engineering.

Origin and usage: The coinage emerged in science fiction and later appeared in interdisciplinary debates on terraforming ethics and climate engineering. In literature and scholarly discussions, Earthfrom often emphasizes preserving Earth's biotic integrity and cultural legacy while achieving a habitable climate, rather than merely altering the landscape.

Concept and scope: Earthfrom envisions managing the planetary energy balance, atmospheric composition, hydrological cycles, soil formation, and biosphere development to sustain Earth-like life. Proposed methods include targeted atmospheric modification, stabilizing vegetation and land use, controlled weathering, and biosphere introductions, executed at regional to planetary scales. It emphasizes resilience, reversibility, and governance structures to manage risks and moral considerations.

Relation to related ideas: Earthfrom is related to terraforming and geoengineering but distinct in its emphasis on Earth-centric baselines and potential for preserving ecological heritage. Critics argue that large-scale environmental interventions risk unintended feedbacks, inequitable outcomes, and governance challenges.

See also: terraforming, geoengineering, planetary engineering.