Renting our Rain?

Recent developments in cloud seeding technology suggest “yes”.

The question arose because Florida (which ironically gets more rain than most), wants to ban cloud seeding and all “weather modification”. Proponents of the technology oppose the ban saying the tech is now highly advanced, harmless and even important for national security. 

So what is it? Cloud seeding , (AKA Precipitation enhancement”) is a term for sending small particles, (salts or silver iodide), into the atmosphere to cause raindrops to form and then fall in a specific area— ‘on demand’ (more or less). The technology has been around for decades but was difficult to “aim”.  Now however, purported advancements in drone and radar technology allow for precise results and with these advancements come some BIG questions. 

For example, if you seed a cloud and make rain in one spot, will there be any more rainfall in another spot (say one that historically always got lots of precipitation?). 

Even if the answer is ‘no’,  huge ethical and legal implications exist like, “who gets to decide where it rains?”. If the technology has advanced so far that localized ‘drop shipments’ of H20 are a thing, is it not possible that someone could start demanding people pay for precipitation?

Maybe the tech isn’t quite to this point…yet… but water is life and the answers to these questions could have life changing consequences — literally. It seems prudent to ‘get out ahead’ of the issue now and to make sure we’re prepared when the time finally arrives. 

Do you think cloud seeing should be legal? Let me know in the comments and check back soon for more briefs.