Drones that spray chemicals into clouds to induce rain or snow are not a conspiracy theory, but a real technology known as "cloud seeding."
The latest evidence comes from US startup Rainmaker, which in April said it had achieved the first clear scientific proof that using drones for this technique can directly influence the creation of rainfall. According to the company, it was shown that the rainfall created was the result of human intervention and would not have occurred in the same way without this process.
Although this method has been used for years in many countries around the world, scientists have debated its effectiveness. After the latest results, the discussion is expected to focus more on the safety of the substances used and the possible long-term impact on the environment.
Over 50 countries around the world have used “cloud seeding” programs to increase rainfall. China has one of the largest programs in the world, using drones and aircraft to cover large areas.
The United Arab Emirates is investing in this technology to bring rain to dry desert areas, while in some American states it is used to increase water reserves.
Israel has long used it for agricultural purposes, while countries like Russia and Thailand apply it to control rainfall and reduce hail damage. In Pakistan and Mexico, this technology has also been used to clean the air from pollution.
The process works by introducing special particles into the cloud, such as silver iodide, dry ice (a form of carbon dioxide in a solid state), or various salts, which help form water droplets or ice crystals that then fall as rain or snow.
In the past, planes and other vehicles were used to distribute these substances, but today drones are considered more efficient, as they can fly in areas where manned aircraft have difficulty operating. Furthermore, artificial intelligence technology helps identify clouds with the greatest potential to produce precipitation.
Rainmaker says tests in the US have shown concrete results. Radar and satellites have identified areas where rainfall coincided with drone flight paths. According to the company, operations in Oregon and Utah have yielded over 540 million liters of fresh water.
This technology is seen as an important opportunity for coping with droughts, increasing water reserves, and managing extreme weather conditions, and is expected to receive more investment in the future.