Weather modifications by China need more discussions on its ethics

Source– The post is based on the article “Weather modifications by China need more discussions on its ethics” published in the Down to Earth magazine on 24th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment.GS1- Physical Geography

Relevance– Weather modification by modern technology

News– The article explains the scale of weather modification activities by China. It also discusses the social and ethical consequences of weather modification.

What makes cloud-seeding in China different from others?

Other countries have deployed cloud seeding to deal with water scarcity, ecological crisis and food security.

China’s case is unique in terms of scale, scope and ambitions. China does not only use the technology for ecological and environmental concerns. It also uses it for promoting state interest in a broader sense.

China is interested in using weather modification for mega-events. It used this technology during the 2008 Olympic games.

What is our level of knowledge about its harmful consequences?

Cloud-seeding has two dimensions — physical and social science.

A lot of research has been done about the physical dimension, although it is debatable. Scientists have different views.

The social science dimension deserves more attention. For example, excess snow produced from cloud seeding can trigger a human-induced disaster.

We also need more space for discussions on the social consequences and ethical issues.

What is the scale of weather modification in China?

It has been practicing weather modification since 1959.

China has been conducting regular cloud seeding around Shiyangin Hebei Province to supply water to the Greater Beijing Region.

Cloud seeding is regularly done in Shiyang to produce enough water to transfer to Beijing.

Has this created social problems within China?

Weather modification is done for many different purposes. Sometimes it is done for Beijing’s interests and other times to fulfil the expectations of local citizens.

When disasters happen due to weather modification in the former, it raises a few questions. Who can be blamed for it, government or nature.

It needs more research to know about its social consequences.

What is the scope of having an international organisation to control these activities?

Weather modification occurs in the air, where there are no boundaries. This impacts international politics.

We need to discuss if a global law or organisation is needed to solve the problem.

Doesweather modification programmes paving the way for solar geoengineering?

Cloud seeding is also part of geoengineering. To deal with climate change, we have two strategies: Mitigation and adaptation. Both cloud seeding and solar reengineering are adaptation strategies.

Reports suggest that China is doing intensive solar geoengineering research. One strategy is solar radiation management, which reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth, lowering the temperature very quickly.

We need extensive research to study its consequences.