Terraforming is the process of reshaping planets and moons so that they can support humans and other Earth-like life forms. In theory, that means making an otherworld’s atmosphere, climate, and surface more similar to Earth’s by adding oxygen, creating a stable mass of liquid water, and creating temperatures suitable for life. Mars has long been considered a top candidate, with proposals ranging from releasing greenhouse gases to warm the planet to using microbes that can slowly produce oxygen over centuries.
For decades, the concept of terraforming Mars existed primarily in the world of science fiction. The vision of turning a cold, dusty planet into a living world has inspired generations, but most scientists thought it was far beyond the reach of our technology. But a new workshop brief argues that recent advances mean terraforming should be treated as a legitimate field of scientific research, even if actual attempts are far in the future.
Dr. Erica DeBenedictis, CEO of Pioneer Labs, wrote the brief prepared for the 2025 Green Mars Workshop. She argues that just a few decades ago terraforming Mars was virtually impossible, but major technological advances have changed that assessment. The potential for dramatic reductions in launch costs with SpaceX’s Starship and breakthroughs in synthetic biology and climate modeling have changed the conversation. Rather than asking whether terraforming violates the laws of physics, researchers believe the more important question is whether humans should pursue terraforming and what the safest path is.
Mars terraforming roadmap
Rather than starting with today’s technology, the workshop brief begins by imagining what a habitable Mars might eventually look like, and then works backwards to identify the steps needed to get there.
The first phase will focus on global warming. Researchers envision using artificial aerosols and greenhouse gases to raise the average temperature of Mars by tens of degrees Celsius over several decades. Research suggests there is enough frozen water on Mars to eventually support an ocean spanning some 4 million square kilometers and averaging around 300 meters deep. If temperatures rise by about 30 degrees, these ice reserves could begin to melt, allowing stable liquid water to appear on the surface.
Genetically engineered microorganisms may play an important role
Once conditions are less harsh, the next step involves introducing microbial life.
Researchers propose engineering extremophiles, microorganisms that naturally survive in harsh environments, by combining properties such as resistance to extreme temperatures, radiation, and low pressure. These specially engineered organisms could spread across Mars in algae-like layers within a few decades. Through photosynthesis, they would begin the very slow process of changing Earth’s atmosphere.
Build a breathable atmosphere
Creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere capable of supporting complex life will take centuries, and perhaps even longer.
The researchers envision starting inside a giant dome-shaped habitat about 100 meters high. Within these closed environments, respirable oxygen can be produced by photosynthesis or water electrolysis. Over time, vegetation spreading beyond the dome could gradually add oxygen to the wider atmosphere, but the researchers estimate that natural oxygen production alone would take around 1,000 years. If successful, future explorers may eventually be able to live on Mars without relying on a protective dome.
Major scientific unknowns remain
The proposal also highlights fundamental questions that must be answered before large-scale efforts are considered.
Scientists still don’t know what lies beneath Mars’ vast ice sheets. We also need a better understanding of how dust storms will change if the Earth becomes warmer and wetter. Another important question is whether there is enough material on Mars for large-scale water electrolysis, or whether those resources will need to be transported from Earth at great expense.
Ethical questions about Mars changes
Scientific obstacles are only part of the challenge. Terraforming Mars would also raise serious ethical questions.
Large-scale changes to Earth could permanently erase parts of its natural history, limiting future opportunities to study Mars in its original state. If there is indigenous life on Mars, even microscopic life, the introduction of Earthly life could destroy it before it is fully understood.
At the same time, researchers argue that terraforming research could yield important benefits closer to home. Technologies developed to support life on Mars, such as drought-tolerant crops and efficient closed-loop life support systems, could improve Earth’s sustainability. Green technology advances designed for space exploration may find valuable applications here on Earth.
As a closet space enthusiast, I find this shift in thinking particularly interesting. The workshop brief does not propose that humans start terraforming Mars tomorrow. Instead, exploring local warming techniques will require careful laboratory studies, more sophisticated climate modeling, and perhaps small-scale experiments on future Mars missions.
Before attempting to reshape the entire planet, we first need to better understand Mars itself and the scientific, environmental, and ethical implications of changing it. The conversation gradually moves away from the question “Can you do it?” And to the question, “Should we do that? And if so, how should we do it?” It may be the most meaningful step forward yet.
