I want to begin this week’s column by stating for the record, I am not a scientist, nor am I an expert in environmental studies or climatology. I, along with most others am mourning the unbearable loss of life that took place in the city of Kerrville Texas on July 4, 2025. And on that basis, I’ve decided to do a deep dive and conduct research and comparative analysis on a controversial process known as “cloud seeding,” and report my thoughts and findings on its use.
Cloud seeding is the deliberate manipulation of weather patterns by dispersing substances, namely silver iodide, and sodium chloride into the atmosphere to encourage precipitation. Cloud seeding is not some futuristic concept from a science fiction movie, it has been actively explored and utilized since the 1940s. The premise is rather straightforward; enhance the formation of raindrops or snowflakes in clouds that are already conducive to such activities. In other words, artificially inflate the existing or current precipitation to create more capacity.
Proponents argue it’s a technological marvel, an answer to droughts and the replenishment of aquafers, especially in agricultural regions. Skeptics, however, are quick to question its efficacy, and its potential environmental impacts. Many others rightfully ask, is this playing God, and can we really convince mother-nature to play along with our manipulative measures? Presently, the jury is still out, with numerous studies showing various results. Some studies indicate modest increases in precipitation, while others show negligible impacts.
The more I try to understand the motivation behind cloud seeding, the more my consternation deepens with potential risks associated with seeding initiatives. First and foremost is the potential to alter local ecosystems; and second, what are the long-term effects of adding silver iodide into the environment? Does it accumulate in soil, does it dissipate in water; and is it present in our food supply? No one seems to have definitive answers.
From what I’ve gathered so far, research has shown that silver iodide in low concentrations has a limited toxicity profile, but the long-term effect of widespread usage remains largely uncharted territory. Silver iodide is considered a hazardous substance under the Clean Water Act and is considered a toxic pollutant. So, the next logical question becomes, are regulatory bodies fully equipped to monitor and manage the application of these substances in the vast expanse of the skies? If history teaches us anything, it’s that technology always outpaces oversight, often leading to unintended consequences and abuses.
While cloud seeding was employed strategically to alter weather conditions, it’s crucial we consider the implications of thinking we can control or manipulate climate. If we acknowledge the potential of manipulating weather on a large scale, the potential of weather warfare becomes disturbingly plausible. During the Vietnam war, the U.S. engaged in a military operation called “Project Popeye,” aimed at lengthening the monsoon season to disrupt enemy supply lines. This was the first instance where weather manipulation was deployed as tactical warfare in a combat theatre; and proven rather effective.
The subsequent backlash led to international calls for regulations, culminating in the 1977 United Nations Environmental Modification Convention, which prohibited military or other hostile use of environmental modification practices. Fast forward to present day, and cloud seeding has taken on new dimensions. Many countries, including China, the U.S., and Russia, have engaged in programs aimed at alleviating regional droughts, but at what cost? There’s no denying that these three countries have experienced multiple hundred-year floods in recent years. A coincidence perhaps, but the question must be asked, is weather manipulation even partly responsible for many of these events?
The ominous possibility that nations could create weather phenomena raises ethical questions that must be answered before this practice is allowed to continue at scale. I readily admit, this could be nothing more than a red herring, but these questions need to be answered at some point, especially given the tragic loss of life in Kerrville. It would behoove us to gain a complete understanding of all potential contributing factors; and subsequently educate the public on the process.
Just two days prior to the July 4th flood in Texas, a cloud seeding operation took place roughly 100 miles south of Kerrville. A tropical depression had formed, and the cloud formation had been seeded with silver iodide; with winds moving in a northerly direction, towards the Guadalupe River. Though it is essential to clarify that there is no direct evidence linking cloud seeding to the recent floods, there is a growing body of inquiry wondering how a region could possibly receive four months’ worth of rain in less than an hour.
On April 16, 2024, Dubai and the UAE experienced similar unprecedented rainfall which was followed by severe flooding in a region known for water scarcity. Large scale cloud seeding had been conducted prior to the regions flash-flooding. This rekindled the debate regarding the possible connection between cloud seeding and intense rainfall. These concerns are amplified in the potential for such practices to inadvertently exacerbate already severe weather conditions.
Lastly, there’s another dimension to consider as well. If cloud seeding is employed in one area, could it negatively affect another? Many of these questions highlight the complexities surrounding weather manipulation and emphasizes the need for thorough regulatory frameworks. As states like Texas explore cloud seeding as a viable solution for water scarcity, they must also confront the intricacies of how such interventions might impact local and regional weather patterns.
The question remains; are we truly prepared for a future where the sky is not just a canvas for nature? As we tread into uncertain terrain, let’s hope we remain vigilant, questioning not just the capabilities at our disposal but the moral compass guiding its use.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
