In science fiction, terraforming is often presented as a grand and complex process. For example, in 'The Martian' by Andy Weir, the main character attempts to make Mars more habitable in a somewhat improvised way. Terraforming in science fiction can involve changing a planet's atmosphere, temperature, and water distribution to make it suitable for human life.
Terraforming in science fiction can take on many forms. It could be a desperate attempt by a dying Earth's population to find a new home, as seen in some dystopian - themed stories. Writers might describe the use of terraforming machines that can quickly reshape a planet's surface. Or they could focus on the ethical dilemmas of terraforming, like whether we have the right to change an entire planet's ecosystem just for our own survival. There are also stories where alien races are the ones doing the terraforming, which gives a different perspective on the concept.