China to expand weather modification program to cover 5.5 million square kilometers

Hong Kong CNN — China this week revealed plans to drastically expand an experimental weather modification program to cover an area of over 5.5 million square kilometers – more than 1.5 times the total size of India. According to a statement from the State Council, China will have a “developed weather modification system” by 2025, thanks to breakthroughs in fundamental research and key technologies, as well as improvements in “comprehensive prevention against safety risks.” In the next five years, the total area covered by artificial rain or snowfall will reach 5.5 million sq km, while over 580,000 sq km will be covered by hail suppression technologies. Last year, according to state news agency Xinhua, weather modification helped reduce 70% of hail damage in China’s western region of Xinjiang, a key agricultural area. “In addition, the leadership’s propensity for technological intervention in taming different weather systems is rarely challenged by alternative viewpoints.” Video Ad Feedback What in the World is solar geoengineering 03:06 - Source: CNN Some experts have speculated that success in weather modification could lead China to adopt more ambitious geoengineering projects, particularly as the country suffers from the effects of climate change.