Cloud seeding, a method aimed at inducing rain from clouds, has recently become a focal point of controversy, spurred by the tragic flooding events in central Texas. This sophisticated technique involves injecting a crystalline substance, typically silver iodide or salt, into the atmosphere to encourage precipitation by providing a nucleus for water droplets to condense upon. Over the decades, scientists have refined these methods, utilizing advanced radar and satellite technology to select optimal cloud targets for treatment.
Why Now?
Cloud seeding has become a regular scapegoat for devastating flooding
Following the catastrophic flash floods in central Texas that claimed around 120 lives during the July 4th weekend, numerous social media accounts shifted blame towards cloud seeding operations. Among those targeted was a company named Rainmaker, which has reportedly faced violent threats due to these accusations.
Augustus Doricko, CEO of Rainmaker, stated that the team has encountered various threats online and via email, prompting the company to enhance security measures at their locations for safety reasons.
This isn’t the first instance where Rainmaker has been embroiled in misinformation surrounding cloud seeding. Previous incidents during severe weather events like Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene saw similar accusations arise. To counter false narratives, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain hosted an online session aimed at debunking myths about cloud seeding that circulated following extreme weather events in Dubai earlier this year.
Nevertheless, the backlash against cloud seeding has intensified lately, partly fueled by remarks from influential figures. For instance, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn publicly rejected those dismissing the connections between cloud seeding and the flooding, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to introduce legislation that would criminalize atmospheric manipulation practices.
Moreover, conspiracy theories surrounding weather manipulation have proliferated, with claims that Doppler radar serves as “weather weapons.” This has led to concerns about potential vandalism of essential forecasting technology, which is crucial for public safety during severe weather.
Understanding Cloud Seeding’s Role
It’s essential to clarify that cloud seeding does not create storms or impact a significant area with heavy rainfall. Experts acknowledge that the concept often lacks consensus on its efficacy in alleviating water shortages and tends to offer only marginal increases in local precipitation.
According to Swain, cloud seeding merely enhances the efficiency of existing moisture within clouds. It’s a technique that optimizes current atmospheric conditions rather than generating new ones. Meteorologist Chris Vagasky elaborates on this, noting that cloud seeding campaigns target very specific clouds and lack the capability to influence larger-scale weather events.
“Cloud seeding efforts typically focus on a limited number of clouds and do not possess the ability to affect widespread areas,” Vagasky explained, emphasizing the considerable energy required to create significant weather phenomena.
On July 2nd, Rainmaker conducted operations aimed at increasing rainfall for agricultural clients by seeding two clouds with approximately 70 grams of silver iodide. These clouds dissipated shortly after treatment, well before the severe thunderstorms that subsequently caused the flooding.
Causes of the Severe Flooding
The flooding disaster in Texas was primarily due to a combination of mountainous terrain and an extraordinarily heavy rainfall event on July 4th that transformed the Guadalupe River into a torrent. This area has a history of extreme flooding incidents.
Human actions are also playing a role in exacerbating such disasters. A study indicates that climate change has markedly increased the intensity of storms and rainfall in the region, linking greenhouse gas emissions to a rise in global temperatures that contributes to more frequent and severe rainfall events.
Distractions from essential issues through conspiracy theories can complicate the public’s understanding and response to the ongoing climate crisis.
