How to Boil the Ocean - 2023-08

Purpose

This document recommends an approach to boiling the ocean. It is intended to be used during discussions with potential partners for the project. It is written for the CTO and the PMO.

Context

  • Over 80% of internationally traded goods travel by sea. Marine freight is exposed to many dangers including navigational challenges, extreme weather, and piracy.
  • The sea level has been steadily rising due to human-caused climate change. As the ocean continues to rise, estimates anticipate hundreds of millions to billions of people will be displaced unless additional measures are taken.
  • The earth is simultaneously affected by an international housing shortage and the continual loss of essential farm land.
  • Eliminating the world’s oceans can simplify or make new solutions available to all of the problems above, which could in turn create numerous opportunities for raising and generating capital.

Recommendation

Use barges with nuclear fission reactors to boil the ocean water. As the sea level drops, the barges can be moved to ensure they stay submerged in water.

The steam generated by the reactors can also be used to generate electricity. Electricity not used for the operation of the project can be sold, adding an additional revenue stream.

Paths Not Taken

  • Use a giant laser from space.
    • The laser beams would be a hazard to air and space traffic.
  • Accelerate global warming by burning a lot of oil.
    • The required oil would make this approach significantly more expensive than other options.
    • This option could generate too much negative PR.
  • Pump the water into on-land boiling stations.
    • Cost of pumping would be significant.
    • Hoses and pumping stations would need to be continually added as the sea level drops.
  • Use nuclear fusion reactors to generate heat.
    • The technology is not mature enough at the time of this writing. If it does become feasible during the project we could update the design for any new barges being constructed.

Questions and Answers

  • Is boiling the ocean really a responsible thing to do?
    • That is outside the scope of this document.
  • How will the boiling stations deal with salt accumulation?
    • This will need to be investigated further if we proceed with this project.