One of the major themes in the novel is the debate as to whether the terraforming of Mars should occur. What are the arguments for terraforming? What are arguments against terraforming? Which do you agree with, and why? What are some of the benefits of terraforming? Some of the downfalls?

Another theme in the novel is whether the mining of Mars for precious metals to be used on Earth should occur. Do you think we, as a world population, have a right to mine another planet for our own benefit? Why or why not? What are the benefits of such an act? Can you think of reasons we should not exploit another planet?

One of the arguments against terraforming is that life may exist on Mars that is yet unfound, and that terraforming might destroy that life. Do you think halting terraforming for such...