Ever since the God of the Old Testament granted our species dominion over the Earth

Injecting their religious beliefs into the article somewhat takes away from its message.

There was a plan to build a canal to the center of Australia since the desert there is below sea level. It would have turned Australia into a Laurel wreath of lush farmland.

Also the nazis wanted to dam the Mediterranean and pump the water out while also having it evaporate to make an African/European supercontinent.