This is exactly what Michio Kaku writes about in "The Physics of Extraterrestrial Civilizations": http://mkaku.org/home/articles/the-physics-of-extraterrestrial

This is exactly what Michio Kaku writes about in "The Physics of Extraterrestrial Civilizations": http://mkaku.org/home/articles/the-physics-of-extraterrestrial-civilizations/ http://mkaku.org/home/articles/the-physics-of-extraterrestri... He argues that a civilization's progress should be measured by the amount of energy at its disposal. According to this, a civilization that can command all its planet's energy (Type I) would be able to modify the weather, alter the course of earthquakes, volcanoes, and build cities on their oceans.