Mexico's government has attempted new strategies to tackle water scarcity and boost rains in the wake of a historic heatwave and months of persistent drought.
The most recent phase of their cloud seeding project, which began in July, aims to replenish aquifers and mitigate the effects of drought in rural areas - and reports claim it is doing the job.
This project includes dispersing silver iodide particles into clouds to attract additional water droplets to increase rain or snowfall.
Mexican Government's Successful Cloud Seeding Project
The Guardian reports that the cloud seeding operation is conducted through specially equipped planes flying into target clouds, releasing the silver iodide particles.
The technology, a 100% Mexican innovation, uses silver iodide molecules supercooled in acetone, an environmentally friendly composition.
A report from the Mexican government claims that the cloud seeding project has achieved remarkable success, boasting a 98% effectiveness rate.
During 72 flights carried out in six states, rainfall was recorded in an impressive 71 instances. The results indicate that the project has successfully stimulated precipitation and contributed to refilling aquifers and water bodies.
Concerns and Skepticism
Despite the government's claims of success, skepticism remains among experts, including leading cloud physicists at Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM).
Fernando García García and Guillermo Montero Martínez, cloud physicists at Unam, emphasize in writing that no concrete evidence supports the notion that cloud seeding can reliably increase precipitation over economically significant regions.
They caution against relying solely on cloud seeding and advocate for a comprehensive, integrated approach to water resource management.
Read Also: Does Excessive Heat Harm Our Bodies Long Term? Here's What the Experts Say
Mexico's Scorching Heatwaves and Droughts
The ongoing drought in Mexico, intensified by a scorching heatwave, has put the impact of climate change into sharp focus.
June 2023 was recorded as the hottest month in Mexican history, with temperatures soaring 2.3 degrees Celsius above historical averages.
The relentless heatwave has affected livestock, driving up dairy and beef prices in affected areas. It has also led to the drying up of once-humid forests, affecting tourism and local ecosystems.
At least 167 people have tragically lost their lives due to heat-related causes.
Meanwhile, unsustainable agricultural practices in rural regions turn fertile lands into barren deserts.
Álvaro Bours Cabrera, the president of the Association of Farmers' Organizations of Southern Sonora (AOASS), suggests investing in irrigation distribution networks to increase efficiency and save water would be a preferred strategy.
The cloud seeding project has been operational since 2020, and the Mexican government claims significant achievements, attributing increased precipitation by up to 40% above forecasts in 2021.
However, cloud physicists emphasize that rainfall forecasts are highly variable, and the evidence linking cloud seeding and consistent precipitation increases remains inconclusive.
What's Next?
Experts caution that while cloud seeding may have benefits, it should not be viewed as a standalone solution to water scarcity and climate change challenges.
Despite the skepticism and ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness of cloud seeding, the Mexican government remains committed to the project.
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