The Practice of Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding, a method involving the introduction of salts into storm clouds to enhance rainfall, has been in use for several decades worldwide. Countries like the UAE, the United States, China, and Australia have actively employed this technique to combat drought conditions and boost precipitation levels. While the practice has shown a modest increase in rainfall by about 5 to 15%, some sources suggest it could be as high as 30% in specific regions.
Debunking the Connection to Dubai’s Floods
Amid recent historic floods in Dubai, speculations arose linking the government’s cloud seeding initiatives to the extreme rainfall. However, experts in the field have refuted these claims, attributing the floods to a rare thundercloud system. The impact of cloud seeding, they argue, would have been minimal. Atmospheric scientists emphasize that climate change, driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, is the primary factor behind the escalating intensity of rainfall events globally.
The Climate Change Factor
Rising global temperatures are leading to more intense and frequent rainfall events across the globe. The fundamental principle that warmer air can hold more water plays a pivotal role in this phenomenon. Instances of heavy rainfall in traditionally arid regions like Death Valley and California serve as stark reminders of the urgent need to address climate change. Atmospheric scientists warn that unless significant steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, communities will continue to face the devastating consequences of extreme weather events.
While cloud seeding remains a tool in the arsenal against drought, the focus now shifts to addressing the broader climate crisis to mitigate the impact of such events in the future.