The New Gods of Weather Can Make Rain on Demand—or So They Want You to Believe

🌈 Abstract

The article explores the UAE's ambitious cloud seeding program, which aims to increase rainfall in the country's desert lands. It delves into the history and science behind cloud seeding, the UAE's efforts to advance the technology, and the ongoing debate around its effectiveness and potential implications.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Cloud Seeding in the UAE

1. What is the goal of the UAE's cloud seeding program? The UAE's cloud seeding program aims to increase rainfall in its desert lands, with the stated goal of ensuring future generations have the water they need to survive. The program is part of the country's efforts to address water scarcity and the impacts of climate change.

2. How does the cloud seeding process work in the UAE? The UAE uses modified propeller planes to release plumes of fine white dust, which is actually ordinary table salt coated in a nanoscale layer of titanium oxide. This material is intended to attract water molecules, forming small droplets that will collide and coalesce into larger raindrops.

3. What are the key technologies and materials used in the UAE's cloud seeding operations? The UAE has developed specialized flares called "Ghaith 1" and "Ghaith 2" that release the seeding material into the clouds. Ghaith 2 flares contain salts coated in a nano layer of titanium dioxide to attract more water in drier climates. The country has also invested in research into other cloud seeding technologies, such as laser-based systems and AI-powered drones.

4. What are the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness of the UAE's cloud seeding efforts? While the UAE has invested heavily in cloud seeding, there are still significant uncertainties around its effectiveness. The country has not conducted extensive long-term analyses to verify the impact of its cloud seeding operations, and experts note that the results can be heavily influenced by climate variability and other factors. There are also concerns about the quality of the UAE's scientific approach, with suggestions of "white lies" being told to maintain the perception of success.

[02] The History and Science of Cloud Seeding

1. What are the origins of cloud seeding technology? The article traces the history of cloud seeding back to the late 19th century, when experiments were conducted in Midland, Texas, to try to create rain using explosives and other methods. More systematic cloud seeding efforts began in the 1940s, with scientists at General Electric discovering that materials like dry ice and silver iodide could be used to seed clouds and encourage precipitation.

2. How does cloud seeding work from a scientific perspective? Cloud seeding relies on the concept of cloud condensation nuclei - tiny particles in the atmosphere that water molecules can condense around to form clouds and precipitation. By introducing artificial nuclei like silver iodide or salt, cloud seeding aims to encourage the formation and growth of water droplets, leading to increased rainfall.

3. What are some of the challenges that have historically hindered the development of cloud seeding technology? In the past, scientists lacked the tools and observations needed to reliably prove the effectiveness of cloud seeding. They struggled to identify target areas of supercooled liquid in clouds, deliver the seeding material effectively, and verify the impact on precipitation. Advances in computer modeling and measurement techniques have helped address these challenges in more recent years.

[03] The Geopolitics and Implications of Cloud Seeding

1. How has cloud seeding been used for military and geopolitical purposes? The article discusses how cloud seeding was explored by the US military and other countries as a potential weather modification weapon during the Cold War era. Projects like "Project Cirrus" involved experiments to try to manipulate hurricanes and other weather systems for military advantage.

2. What are the broader geopolitical implications of cloud seeding technology? The UAE's cloud seeding program is seen as part of the country's efforts to position itself as a leader in climate technology and weather modification. This allows the UAE to project technological prowess and soft power, even if the actual effectiveness of its cloud seeding efforts is uncertain. The article suggests the UAE may be more interested in the optics and geopolitical implications of cloud seeding than its practical water security benefits.

3. How do concerns about the potential misuse of cloud seeding technology factor into the debate? The article notes that cloud seeding technology, like the laser-based system being developed in the UAE, could potentially be weaponized. This raises concerns about the dual-use nature of the technology and the need for oversight and regulation to prevent misuse.