Nations across the globe are engaged in conflicts, with America mediating peace. Yet, the role of a mediator isn't without challenges. Recently, discussions arose around the Texas floods, suggesting they might not be a natural calamity but a man-made weather weapon. This conspiracy theory is not merely prevalent on social media but is also echoed by some U.S. officials. Although these are mere speculations, the debate around weather warfare persists.
Regarding the Texas floods, former NSA of the Trump administration, Mike Flynn, inquired, 'Can anyone explain who did this?' Additionally, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene proposed a bill prohibiting individuals or organizations from releasing chemicals into the air that might alter weather, temperature, or sunlight. Essentially, it's about curbing weather modification technology.
What Exactly is Weather Modification?
Weather modification is a technology, or rather, a concept where humans deliberately attempt to alter the Earth's climate and weather. It encompasses rain, drought, and even earthquakes and tsunamis. While the ideology advocates positive results like managing natural disasters or enhancing weather, it originated on a negative note. Allegedly, it might morph into weather warfare.
Who Used the First Weather Weapon and When?
Like many cutting-edge and controversial technologies, the U.S. was behind this. It deployed weather modification during the Vietnam War. The resolute small nation wouldn't surrender, provoking America to initiate Operation Popeye. Through cloud seeding, artificial rain was induced, muddying supply paths and slowing enemy troop movements.
Source: aajtak
This strategy persisted not just for a singleton month but for nearly six years from 1967, leading to perennial rains from May to October that indeed bogged down military supplies and movement. Civilians weren't spared either; consistent rainfall caused road damage, crop failure, and flood conditions. It was the first instance where weather turned into a strategic weapon.
Following these revelations, the American government faced severe criticism. Consequently, a treaty was enacted preventing nations from using technologies that intentionally alter the natural environment to disadvantage adversaries. Despite this UN initiative, substantial changes didn't follow. While no direct cloud seeding attacks were launched, clandestine advancements allegedly proceeded, with the U.S., Russia, and China accusing each other of such activities.
Controversial Projects Surrounding Weather Modification
In America, the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) aims to understand the impact of atmospheric energy insertions. Critics argue that it's a covert tactic to manipulate weather. Both Russia and China have accused the U.S. of potentially influencing hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods through HAARP. China has also been under scrutiny for its weather modification technologies. Before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it conducted pre-emptive cloud seeding to ensure clear skies during games. Recently, China's State Council claimed an imminent ability to control weather over 5.5 million square kilometers using cloud seeding and other technologies, potentially affecting neighboring countries. Geoengineering, another component of this domain, involves releasing gases like sulfur dioxide into the air to reduce sunlight and consequently decrease Earth's temperature. This could mitigate global warming; however, if targeted at specific countries, it could obliterate agriculture and life by preventing sunlight from reaching there.
Source: aajtak
Is There Any Evidence of Weather Weapons?
In most instances, there's no tangible proof of weather weapon usage. Distinguishing between real events and artificially-induced disasters remains challenging, especially given that many nations lack this technology. Only after the Vietnam War did the U.S. Senate acknowledge they had tampered with enemy weather. Nevertheless, accusations among countries persist.
Is the U.S. a Potential Target?
Though speculative, the Texas incident raises concerns. Currently, the U.S. is at the heart of global tensions, having extended significant support to Ukraine against Russia. It has allegedly mediated in Iran and Israel conflicts and consistently backed Taiwan amidst China-Taiwan frictions. Its traditionally fraught relationships with Russia seemed to thaw post-Trump, only to refreeze over the Ukraine issue.
Amidst these tensions, an anonymous weather attack against America might not be far-fetched. Nonetheless, since neither the White House nor intelligence agencies have made such claims, it's presently considered speculation.
