Across the planet, the earth reveals an astonishing variety of colors and forms, shaped by time and place.

From dramatic rock formations and cave systems to vast sand dunes and vividly colored strata, this feature presents recent photographs from around the world, alongside artworks inspired by the earth's surface and geological layers.

FUJII Kazumichi (Unit Leader, Soil Homeostasis Research Unit, Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation)

When and how did Earth's soils emerge, and how did they give rise to the green landscapes we know today?

Do soils also exist on planets beyond Earth?

Renowned for his investigations of the many different soils found on Earth and for communicating the importance of soil to a broad audience, one of Japan's leading soil scientists takes a cosmic perspective and explores how terraforming research and other areas of planetary science could contribute to the restoration of Earth's environment.

MOTOMURA Yukiko (Visiting Professor, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University; Guest Editor, The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.)

As space development advances, outer space is becoming increasingly familiar to humanity. Yet alongside these developments lie diverse ethical challenges spanning areas such as life, resources, and the environment.

As calls for planetary settlement and the terraforming of Mars become increasingly realistic, space ethics is revisited, and the importance of protecting Earth is viewed anew from the perspective of space development.

Christopher P. McKay (Planetary Scientist; Senior Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center)

Mars is believed to have once possessed an environment much like that of Earth and may even have harbored life. What conditions would be required for ecosystems to take shape there once again? Dr. Christopher McKay, one of the leading figures in terraforming research, explains the basis for his view that Mars can be terraformed with existing science and technology, and discusses the significance of pursuing such an endeavor.

TAKEUCHI Kaoru (Science Writer; Professor, Faculty of Social Informatics, ZEN University)

Terraforming Mars in the foreseeable future is no longer a distant fantasy. If humanity succeeds in restoring the Martian landscape and establishing permanent settlements there, how would people live, what relationship would they foster with Earth, and how would they shape their own culture? A science writer with deep expertise in space science offers a vision of humanity's future on Mars.

FUJIMORI Terunobu (Architectural historian and architect; Director, Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum; and Emeritus Professor, University of Tokyo)

Iceland, the land of ice located just south of the Arctic Circle. Yet even in such a harsh environment, people have taken root and sent their roots deep into the land.

The author surveys Iceland's traditional "earthen houses"—turf houses inhabited until recent times and part of a tradition stretching back over 10,000 years—together with the way of life they supported, and reflects on the coexistence of people and nature.

Concept: Obayashi Project Team

Paraterraforming seeks to recreate Earth-like natural environments within limited regions of another planet.

Is it possible to create an atmosphere, establish natural cycles, generate wind and rain, and ultimately create green landscapes capable of supporting life amid the harsh Martian environment of thin air, intense radiation, and extreme cold?

The Obayashi Project Team presents a scientific and engineering assessment of how a viable natural environment might be created on Mars.

Through this process, we reflect on the almost miraculous convergence of factors that gave rise to Earth's natural environment—so often taken for granted—and its profound value as we look ahead to the future of our planet's environment.