Terraforming (2020)
(for Tuba and Piano)

Terraforming is the theoretical process of modifying a planet or moon’s atmosphere, temperature, topography or ecology to create an environment similar enough to Earth to be habitable by humans:

“Recent scientific results suggest that there is not enough CO2 remaining on Mars…; in addition, most of it is not accessible and cannot be readily mobilized. As a result, terraforming Mars is not possible using present-day technology.” (Jakosky, Edwards, 2018).

Scientific understanding and capability aside, the general notion of making an environment habitable is central to human nature; and as we are increasingly compelled to consider climate change more deeply, terraforming might also influence our thinking as a metaphor for life on Earth.

This work was commissioned by and written for Ricardo Carvalhoso.