WHO: Tristan Brown (MIT), Or Porath (Tel Aviv University)
WHAT: The Challenge
We explore human attempts throughout history to alter weather patterns for practical purposes. From ancient Japanese rainmaking rituals to modern Chinese geo-engineering, this research investigates the diverse cultural and political forces that have shaped weather modification. Rather than framing the past as “magical” and the present as “scientific,” the project emphasizes the continuity of human efforts to manipulate weather in order to sustain life, secure resources, and ensure a stable future. By challenging the past/present binary, we show how ideologies, beliefs, and practices surrounding weather modification persist today. Examining the evolution of these efforts offers valuable insights into humanity’s desire to control nature and our growing response to climate change.
WHY: Motivations & Intentions
We grew from our broader interest in environmental studies and how societies interact with and control nature. The catalyst for this project was a conversation with a Chinese colleague during the 2018 Los Angeles fires. They asked whether the American government had considered weather modification, such as cloud seeding, to mitigate the fires. Surprised by the question, we began to reflect on the possibility of geo-engineering local weather patterns to combat climate change. We discovered that weather manipulation has a long history, rooted in ancient rituals and practices. For centuries, societies have attempted to control weather through religious ceremonies, magical rituals, and technological innovations. As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events increase, revisiting these ancient methods, alongside modern scientific techniques, may become more viable. This project challenges the conventional narrative of progress, revealing how historical weather modification methods can play a role in future climate change mitigation efforts.
HOW: Methods & Tools
- Analyze Divinatory and Religious Texts
- Understand how these texts describe weather modification across the centuries
- Bring together scholars of diverse backgrounds who grapple with weather-related topics in history
- Compile a Database
- Compile a database of weather-modification projects globally today
- Track the spread of geo-engineering around the globe
- Tracing contemporary efforts with historical precedents
- Track Legal Regulations
- Track legal regulations for geo-engineering on transnational and national scales
- Identify the potential downstream ramifications for agriculture, water management, and urban planning
- Public Education
- Educate the public about the potential benefits and risks of weather modification
- Identifying the scientific and/or political dimensions behind specific versions
HOW CAN I JOIN? Activities & Events in 2025
- February 21, 2025: Inaugural GHI Forum on Pillar “Environment, Biodiversity, and Planetary Stewardship”
- Spring 2025: Inaugural GHI Global Comparative Dialogues
- May 2025: UN Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum
For further details, contact the project leaders.