As global warming worsens, the idea of vast projects to alter the Earth's environment is moving from fantasy to necessity. Watch to see which lunatic plans will be supported.

In the 1960s, two Russian scientists set out ambitious plans to reshape the world around us: to reverse the flow of rivers, shoot tiny white particles into space to illuminate the night sky, and melt the Arctic to water fields of Soviet wheat. "If we want to improve our planet and make it more suitable for life," wrote NP Rusin and L Flit, "we must alter its climate."

Most of the schemes suggested involve dramatic alterations to the Earth's weather systems, whether by deflecting the Sun's rays, removing carbon from the atmosphere or cooling the oceans. The technology to manipulate weather already exists.

But what are the chances that governments will fund whatever will make the situation worse?

To comment on this article Register for Free.
Make Money adding your own bookmarks and articles.
Earn extra money bookmarking your articles here...

On Writing Online