Ethical Implications and Legal Void in Cloud Seeding as a War Strategy

Abstract

Cloud seeding, a technology that manipulates rainfall patterns, presents a potential military advantage in the 21st century. However, its use in warfare raises serious ethical and legal concerns. This paper looks into the moral complexities of weaponising cloud seeding. It analyses the environmental threats posed by manipulating weather systems, the potential harm to civilians caught in engineered storms, and the disruption it could cause to delicate ecosystems. The paper further exposes the inadequate legal framework surrounding this technology. Existing treaties like the Environmental Modification Convention (ENMOD) and the Hague Conventions have loopholes that leave room for debate on their application. Additionally, regulations vary greatly between countries, highlighting the need for a unified global approach to cloud seeding.To address these gaps, the paper proposes a comprehensive legal framework. It suggests strengthening existing treaties, reinterpreting international law with a focus on environmental protection, and even creating a new treaty specifically outlawing military cloud seeding. Ultimately, the paper emphasises the crucial role of international cooperation and responsible governance. It argues that cloud seeding should be used for peaceful purposes, such as managing droughts or floods. Only through international collaboration can we ensure that this technology serves humanity and does not end up as a tool for war.