planetording

Planetording is a term that has emerged in informal discussions and speculative fiction to describe the hypothetical process of terraforming an entire planet. It is distinct from terraforming a single celestial body for human habitation, as planetording implies a much larger scale of environmental modification, potentially encompassing the creation or alteration of entire ecosystems, atmospheric conditions, and geological structures across a planet.

The concept of planetording often appears in science fiction narratives where advanced civilizations attempt to reshape alien worlds to suit their needs or to achieve a specific aesthetic or ecological goal. These narratives explore the immense technological capabilities and ethical considerations involved in such a monumental undertaking. It is important to note that planetording is not a scientifically recognized term and remains firmly within the realm of theoretical speculation.

While terraforming itself is a concept explored by scientists, with proposed methods for making Mars or Venus more habitable, planetording expands this idea to a planetary scale without necessarily focusing on human habitability. The motivations for planetording in fiction can range from ecological restoration of a dead world to the creation of a new home for a non-human species, or even for artistic purposes. The sheer scale of such an endeavor raises questions about resource allocation, potential unintended consequences, and the definition of planetary stewardship.