Terraforming (literally, "Earth-shaping") is the process of modifying a planet, moon or other body to a more habitable atmosphere, temperature or ecology. It is a type of planetary engineering. The term is sometimes used very broadly as a synonym for planetary engineering in general; see that article for related information. This article primarily focuses on the modification of atmospheric and thermal conditions. (Source)

Wikipedia has a pretty comprehensive page on terraforming, exploring the ethical concerns and scientific possibilities of such a massive endeavour.

Another Space.com article by Dave Brody also does a pretty good roundup of terraforming. It highlights a series of (somewhat humorous) steps summarizing Konstantin Tsiolkovsky's action plan for terraforming.

Enthusiasts of the subject matter can also pick up Stephen Baxter's Moonseed, which compellingly weaves Hollywood action together with space science and physics.

Kind of makes me wish Singapore was large enough to have its own space program.

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