7/22/2021 Dubai Creates Fake Rain Using Drones to Battle 122 Degree Heat

https://www.newsweek.com/dubai-creates-fake-rain-using-drones-battle-122-degree-heat-1611887 1/9

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BY ANABELLE DOLINER ON 7/21/21 AT 11:34 AM EDT

Dubai Creates Fake Rain Using Drones to Battle 122 DegreeHeat

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7/22/2021 Dubai Creates Fake Rain Using Drones to Battle 122 Degree Heat

https://www.newsweek.com/dubai-creates-fake-rain-using-drones-battle-122-degree-heat-1611887 2/9

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T E C H & S C I E N C E W E AT H E R C L I M AT E C H A N G E C L I M AT E D R O U G HT

cientists in the United Arab Emirates are working towards new methodsof weather manipulation in an attempt to bring increased rainfall to the

desert country—and so far, it appears the efforts have been successful.

The cloud seeding operation, which uses electrical charges to prompt rainfall,speaks to the growing interest globally in rainmaking technologies as an avenuefor potentially mitigating drought.

According to The Independent, the cloud seeding method employed in Dubairelies on drone technology. The drones release an electrical charge into clouds,prompting them to coalesce and create rain. The technology is reportedlyfavored compared to other forms of cloud seeding because it uses electricity togenerate rain rather than chemicals.

The Middle Eastern country receives an average of four inches of rain per yearand summer temperatures that routinely surpass 120 degrees, reported the newsoutlet. Additionally, its sinking water table—an essential source of fresh water—poses a serious threat. As a result, in 2017, the UAE invested a total of $15million across nine projects hoping to increase rainfall.

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7/22/2021 Dubai Creates Fake Rain Using Drones to Battle 122 Degree Heat

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So far, the investment appears to be paying off: according to reports from thecountry's National Center of Meteorology (NCM), cloud seeding contributed tothe heavy rainfall seen across the country earlier this month. According to GulfToday, both the NCM and Abu Dhabi Police issued warnings to the public, urgingcaution in the wake of poor visibility and driving conditions.

Gulf Today also reported that, since the beginning of 2021, the NCM hasconducted 126 instances of cloud seeding.

These types of weather-manipulation attempts are not limited to the UAE:according to a March report, published by The Guardian, several U.S. states arelooking into cloud seeding as a way to combat severe drought conditions.

Scientists in the United Arab Emirates have turned to using drones to create rain. Pictured, the Dubai skyline at night,January 19, 2015.

RUSTAM AZMI/GETTY IMAGES

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7/22/2021 Dubai Creates Fake Rain Using Drones to Battle 122 Degree Heat

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The method employed in the U.S., however, relies on a slightly differenttechnology, in which drones add small amounts of silver iodine to clouds. Theparticles prompt water droplets to form, thus potentially increasing rainfall.

Research into cloud seeding dates back to the 1940s—however, it's only inrecent years that the technology has shown to be effective.

However, it's important to note that while cloud seeding may be beneficial, it willnot address the root causes of drought, nor is it a foolproof method.

As University of Colorado researcher Katja Friedrich explained to The Guardian:"It needs to be part of a broader water plan that involves conserving waterefficiently, we can't just focus on one thing. Also, there is a question whether youwill be able to do it in a changing climate—you need cold temperatures and onceit gets too warm you aren't able to do the cloud seeding."

The Scientific American reports that "at least eight states" across the western USare involved in current cloud seeding operations, with the majority of the worktaking place in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Also participating are Nevada,California, New Mexico, and Arizona.

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7/22/2021 Dubai Creates Fake Rain Using Drones to Battle 122 Degree Heat

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Start a discussion, not a �re. Post with kindness. Read our guidelines here.

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M Marbltx23 hours ago

That's a great idea..clouds are all about t electrical charges.

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O o�cegirl47 minutes ago

They are not 'creating' rain, they are stealing it from where it would normally fall.

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AT Anon Truth23 hours ago

Here we go. Rather than deal with the mistakes we have made with climate change and the pollution we have caused as a species, we've now decided to turn to manipulating the weather. This is the absolute stupidest thing we could possibly do, and we're doing it..."We never learned" should be written on all of our gravestones...

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