The Politics and Geo-Politics of Rain-Making

Rainmaking is the oldest form of geo-engineering, although there is little evidence it actually worked until the middle of the 20th century.  It has always held a powerful spot in people’s imagination.  The Mayans and other people sacrificed many people an animals in the mistaken belief that it would entice rain.  The belief held sway among more advanced people too.   The Nash play “The Rainmaker”, about the Midwest United States during a drought, was made into a hit movie starring Burt Lancaster.  It was a mix of human and natural forces.  One prominent proponent of rain-making was the former king of Thailand.  In November 1955, King Bhumibol Adulyadej began the Royal Rain-Making Project that continues to this day.  Here is a more recent update on the project from the Thai Embassy in Washington, DC.

 

Whether rainmaking is effective or not, the belief that it could work constitute powerful political and cultural beliefs.
(1)  Go To–Politics of rainmaking. How effective is rain-making?  Is it an international issue?
(2) Go To–What countries are doing about rain-making.  Who uses rain-making?  Why Do they Use It?
(3) Go to–A proposal for a rain-making registry.  Why Not Report on Efforts?  Reducing Political  Mis-Steps?