[extropy-chat] FWD [PvT] Terraforming Earth [WAS: FWD (SK)TheComing Climate Collapse]

[Spike]

> Terry W. Colvin

> Subject: FWD [extropy-chat] Terraforming Earth [WAS: FWD (SK) 
> TheComing Climate Collapse]

> 
> It's not nice to mess with Mother Nature. Changing the 
> hydrology of one place can lead to unforeseen and not always
desireable 
> effects elsewhere.  The Biosphere includes the Climate system which is
the 
> epitome of chaotic nonlinear systems and messing with that can cause
real
> problems... Steve

We already *have* real problems.  We need to implement
real solutions.  Most of the rainfall on the African
continent and the tropics never exists in the form of
ice or snow.  So the rains come, floods cause problems, 
then the flood waters drain off, dry season, more problems.

We need to build dams and pipes to even out natures 
enormous water purifier.  Those of us in the 
technologically advanced world would never tolerate 
alternating flooding and droughts constantly ruining 
our lives.  I don't see why the Africans tolerate that.

Seems to me that we could buy enormous swaths of
the Sahara Desert.  How much could it be worth?  Almost
nada in its current state.  We could buy water rights 
out of the Congo and Nile as well.  That land has 
enormous potential.  Its a developer's dream.

spike