Towards a New Paradigm for Weather Modification Science and Technology

Weather modification science and technology development and implementation program plans have been created since 1946, and have collectively led to modern weather modification technologies. These modern weather modification technologies have helped the community at large for over 60 years. Recent technological and scientific advances, scientific community recommendations, and contemporary socioeconomic problems form the basis for constructing a new plan that facilitates the development and applications of modern weather modification technologies for more effectively benefiting society. Pending Congressional legislation adds urgency to a new approach for developing weather modification science and technology. This paper describes this new approach. The proposed approach encompasses a comprehensive agenda of fundamental and applied research and development efforts directed toward optimizing existing technologies used to manage “treatable” atmospheric processes and conditions, and to allow the development of select relevant innovative technologies. It will require a permanent, national program that administers its resources and oversees its activities. High-level implementation guidelines are also provided.