China controlling the weather

As China gears up for the Olympics next Fall, there has been much talk about what Beijing will do about the pollution in the city. In their Olympic bid, they promised an infusion of cash and technology to deal with this problem. Although I have not been to Beijing yet, it appears that pollution is still a huge issue--I can vouch for the problem at least in Shanghai. Although many have speculated what China will do--from forcing factories in the area to go on vacation to banning the use of cars in Beijing during the olympics--I think their most intriguing idea is weather manipulation. Apparently this is something that already happens in China and it is not a secret at all. Forced rain is just another way for China to get what it needs without letting nature get in the way. Chemical pellets are shot into the air at clouds to create a chemical reaction that produces rain...the government even admits to spending upwards of $90 million on this program!

You can read more about it here in the Asia Times. After being here a month, it just doesn't surprise.