Should We Change the Weather Even If We Can?

jonerik writes "According to this article in today's Christian Science Monitor, science will be able to make significant changes in weather systems in the next few decades. More than simply seeding clouds to produce rain, the technology will be available to nudge hurricanes out of the path of population centers, for instance. The big question is 'Should we?' 'Even if we can do this, is this something we really want to do?,' says Dr. Ross Hoffman, a vice president with Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc., who adds, 'Before we can really control weather, we have to be able to observe the weather and forecast the weather much better than we do now.' On the other hand, according to the article the genie may already be out of the bottle: 'According to the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO), at least 25 countries are engaged in weather modification projects to enhance rain and snowfall, or suppress hail. In the United States, 12 states have had weather modification programs. Texas runs a program at the county level for rain enhancement, while North Dakota is focusing on hail suppression.'"

Comments

NO

[prichardson]

I knew we should have dissabled super weapons when we started this game. Now that the allies can create lightning storms our infantry is screwed. The nukes aren't even that helpful, and we can never seem to get the Iron Curtain working.

same article, 10000 years ago

[geekoid]

According to this article in today's Christian Science Monitor, science will be able to make significant changes in how weather systems effect you. More than simply standing under a tree, the technology will be available to 'build a house' to keep you dry, and warm. The big question is 'Should we?' 'Even if we can do this, is this something we really want to do?,' says groog, a vice president with Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc., who adds, 'Before we can really control our eniviroment, we have to be able to observe the weather and forecast the weather much better than we do now.'

in short:
in russia, the weather controls you!