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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.'"

2 of 422 comments (clear)

  1. A new form of weapon by neverkevin · · Score: 1, Redundant

    How about using the weather a new weapon? Why not send a hurricane, tornado, and floods to Iraq? What about Hail storms with basketball sized chunks of ice? America could finally get rid of all the evil on earth with out starting one war!

    but imagine if the terriorist got ahold of this technology? Oh my! We must fully develop and exploit this technology before the evil terrorist. Then we can sit back and start a huge database containing everyones credit card purchases. Damn, I love America.

  2. Re:Reminds me of a joke... by IsmoVuorinen · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Good joke :) I needed that too.

    --
    When you pull the pin out from Mr. Granade he's no longer your friend.