Cloud seeding technology has been in use for several decades, but it remains a controversial topic among weather experts. The recent flooding event in Dubai, which caused significant damage and paralyzed the city, has brought cloud seeding operations conducted by Dubai into question. While some media outlets blamed the flooding on cloud seeding operations, experts from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) stated that the operations were carried out a few days before the heavy rainfall.
The effects of the flooding were widespread, with schools closing, underground car parks being flooded, and transportation services being disrupted. The Dubai International Airport faced severe operational impacts, with flights being diverted or delayed by several hours. Similar flooding also affected the capital city of Abu Dhabi, and a tragic incident resulted in the death of a man in Ras Al Khaimah due to flash floods.
Meteorologists and climate scientists emphasized that human-caused climate change played a significant role in the heavy rainfall. Although cloud seeding technology was brought into the discussion, experts pointed out that its effectiveness is still a matter of debate within the scientific community. While introducing particles into clouds may have some impact on increasing rainfall, its overall effect is relatively small compared to other factors such as temperature changes and atmospheric pressure shifts. In fact, some experts argue that cloud seeding technology could even exacerbate extreme weather events if not used properly.
As cities like Dubai face challenges related to excessive rainfall, adapting urban infrastructure to climate change becomes more crucial than ever. The recent flooding event in Dubai highlights the vulnerability of cities to extreme weather events and underscores the importance of creating resilient infrastructure. While cloud seeding technology may have a role in influencing rainfall, it is not a comprehensive solution to address the impacts of climate change on urban areas.
In conclusion, while cloud seeding technology has been around for several decades and has been employed by many countries around the world to influence precipitation patterns, its effectiveness is still debated among scientists. As cities continue to face challenges related to extreme weather events due to climate change, it is essential for urban planners and policymakers to explore all available options for mitigating these risks while ensuring that they do not cause further harm or exacerbate existing problems.