The hidden costs behind cloud seeding

The hidden costs behind cloud seeding

Desertification (a process of ecological degradation where fertile land loses its vegetation cover, becomes arid, and is more susceptible to erosion) is a global issue that the UN ranks as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time ^[1]. As extended periods of drought – which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change – are one of the contributing factors, many countries are looking at rain enhancement technologies such as cloud seeding to provide solutions.

Cloud seeding is a type of ‘climate engineering’ that modifies the weather. By using aircraft or drones to introduce chemicals (e.g. silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice) to clouds, water droplets cluster around clouds, change their structure, and increase the chances of rain ^[2]. Which, on the surface of things, sounds great! Rain keeps land fertile and, in theory, should reduce desertification. But what are the hidden costs behind this silver lining, and if there are, isn’t it a small price to pay for the challenges we face?

Encroaching deserts and desertification aren’t the same phenomena

Although given the same definitions and often used interchangeably, they’re different. Technically, desert encroachment is when disturbances caused by people (e.g. overgrazing), cause an existing desert to advance beyond its natural state. Desertification is when previously fertile land becomes degraded (by the same human activities) and takes on desert-like characteristics. Deserts themselves are important and diverse ecosystems that play an important role in our planet’s overall health – they need to be preserved and protected. Desertification, however, is an entirely different matter.

The Pros and Cons of Rain Enhancement Technology

Technology makes life easier and, in many ways, more sustainable too. By being able to harness the power of the sun and wind for solar and turbine energy respectively, we’ve been able to accomplish much in the way of clean, renewable energy. Why should clouds be any different?