Which Countries Are Using Artificial Rain to Fight Drought and Climate Change?
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With rising urbanisation and climate change, water scarcity has become a global concern. In response, many nations are turning to artificial rain technology , or cloud seeding , to induce rainfall, manage drought, and restore water balance. From Asia to the Americas, this science-backed solution is fast becoming a vital tool in climate and water management.
What Is Artificial Rain Technology ?
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or salt into clouds to stimulate precipitation. This process enhances natural rainfall and helps replenish water sources. With advances in AI, weather forecasting, and aerial tech, several countries are now deploying this method on a large scale.
China: Leading the Global Charge
China is spearheading cloud seeding with a national plan to cover over 5.5 million sq km by 2025. Equipped with AI-powered systems and a vast fleet of planes and rockets, the country uses the technology for agriculture, drought relief, and even event weather management.
UAE: A Desert Nation Making It Rain
The UAE has been a cloud seeding pioneer in the Middle East since 1982. Using drones, AI, and hygroscopic salt flares, the country tackles extreme water shortages. Overseen by the National Centre of Meteorology, the program stands as a model for other arid regions.
USA: Boosting Snowpack and Water Supply
In the U.S., cloud seeding is widely used in California, Colorado, and Texas to increase snowpack, enhance water reserves, and support agriculture. AI and data-driven tools improve the precision and effectiveness of operations across drought-prone areas.
India: Fighting Drought and Pollution
India uses cloud seeding mainly to support agriculture and urban water supply during dry spells. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have hosted successful projects. In 2025, Delhi will witness artificial rain from July 4 to 15, led by IIT Kanpur, not only for water needs but also to reduce air pollution.
Thailand: Royal Rainmaking Since the 1950s
Thailand’s Royal Rainmaking Project is one of the oldest in the world. Launched in the 1950s, it uses cloud seeding to improve agriculture, reduce pollution, and manage water with the help of advanced seeding agents and modern delivery methods.
Russia: Controlling Weather and Forest Fires
Russia deploys cloud seeding to tackle drought, support farming, and even to combat forest fires. The technology plays a key role in maintaining water resources, especially in the country’s drier regions.
Australia: Supporting Farms and Hydropower
Australia leverages cloud seeding to boost hydropower generation and support the agriculture sector, especially during prolonged dry periods. It’s a critical part of the country’s strategy to ensure water sustainability.
Saudi Arabia: Desert Skies, Rainy Hopes
In 2022, Saudi Arabia began its first official cloud seeding missions to combat desertification and manage water scarcity. The program reflects the country’s growing focus on environmental resilience.
Pakistan: A Newcomer Taking Rapid Steps
Pakistan initiated cloud seeding in 2023 to combat severe pollution and drought. Although new to the scene, it marks a bold step towards addressing pressing environmental challenges through modern technology.
Indonesia: Flood Management from the Air
Indonesia uses cloud seeding to prevent flooding, particularly in Jakarta, and to stabilise water supply during the rainy season. It plays a key role in the country’s disaster response and climate resilience strategy.
The Sky’s the Limit
Once seen as a futuristic concept, artificial rain is now a practical solution to global water woes. Whether it's enhancing crops, fighting pollution, or managing climate disasters, cloud seeding is helping countries make the most of every cloud.
What Is Artificial Rain Technology ?
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or salt into clouds to stimulate precipitation. This process enhances natural rainfall and helps replenish water sources. With advances in AI, weather forecasting, and aerial tech, several countries are now deploying this method on a large scale.
China: Leading the Global Charge
China is spearheading cloud seeding with a national plan to cover over 5.5 million sq km by 2025. Equipped with AI-powered systems and a vast fleet of planes and rockets, the country uses the technology for agriculture, drought relief, and even event weather management.
UAE: A Desert Nation Making It Rain
The UAE has been a cloud seeding pioneer in the Middle East since 1982. Using drones, AI, and hygroscopic salt flares, the country tackles extreme water shortages. Overseen by the National Centre of Meteorology, the program stands as a model for other arid regions.
USA: Boosting Snowpack and Water Supply
In the U.S., cloud seeding is widely used in California, Colorado, and Texas to increase snowpack, enhance water reserves, and support agriculture. AI and data-driven tools improve the precision and effectiveness of operations across drought-prone areas.
India: Fighting Drought and Pollution
India uses cloud seeding mainly to support agriculture and urban water supply during dry spells. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have hosted successful projects. In 2025, Delhi will witness artificial rain from July 4 to 15, led by IIT Kanpur, not only for water needs but also to reduce air pollution.
Thailand: Royal Rainmaking Since the 1950s
Thailand’s Royal Rainmaking Project is one of the oldest in the world. Launched in the 1950s, it uses cloud seeding to improve agriculture, reduce pollution, and manage water with the help of advanced seeding agents and modern delivery methods.
Russia: Controlling Weather and Forest Fires
Russia deploys cloud seeding to tackle drought, support farming, and even to combat forest fires. The technology plays a key role in maintaining water resources, especially in the country’s drier regions.
Australia: Supporting Farms and Hydropower
Australia leverages cloud seeding to boost hydropower generation and support the agriculture sector, especially during prolonged dry periods. It’s a critical part of the country’s strategy to ensure water sustainability.
Saudi Arabia: Desert Skies, Rainy Hopes
In 2022, Saudi Arabia began its first official cloud seeding missions to combat desertification and manage water scarcity. The program reflects the country’s growing focus on environmental resilience.
Pakistan: A Newcomer Taking Rapid Steps
Pakistan initiated cloud seeding in 2023 to combat severe pollution and drought. Although new to the scene, it marks a bold step towards addressing pressing environmental challenges through modern technology.
Indonesia: Flood Management from the Air
Indonesia uses cloud seeding to prevent flooding, particularly in Jakarta, and to stabilise water supply during the rainy season. It plays a key role in the country’s disaster response and climate resilience strategy.
The Sky’s the Limit
Once seen as a futuristic concept, artificial rain is now a practical solution to global water woes. Whether it's enhancing crops, fighting pollution, or managing climate disasters, cloud seeding is helping countries make the most of every cloud.
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