#217 Augustus Doricko - Did Cloud Seeding Cause the Texas Floods?
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Augustus Doricko addresses questions about whether cloud seeding operations by his company, Rainmaker, contributed to recent flooding in Texas. Doricko explains the scale and scope of their July 2nd operation, which involved dispersing silver iodide into clouds, and compares the amount of precipitation produced by cloud seeding to that of natural weather events.
The discussion covers public concerns about weather modification, including conspiracy theories about altered rain color and storm creation. Doricko clarifies the location and timing of Rainmaker's operations relative to the floods, references statements from agricultural and meteorological experts, and addresses the need for increased transparency in the weather modification industry. The conversation explores ways to build public trust through improved documentation and communication of cloud seeding activities.
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Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Activities and Operations
Rainmaker, led by CEO Auguste Historical, conducts cloud seeding operations to increase precipitation in drought-affected areas. On July 2nd, the company performed a 20-minute operation in Texas, dispersing 70 grams of silver iodide into two clouds, just days before significant flooding occurred in the region.
According to Augustus Doricko, while cloud seeding can produce millions of gallons of precipitation, this pales in comparison to natural weather events. He notes that recent tropical storms produced hundreds of billions of gallons of water, with an affected area approximately a million times larger than Rainmaker's operation.
Public Concerns and Accusations About the Cloud Seeding
Shawn Ryan discusses widespread public concerns about Rainmaker's cloud seeding activities, including conspiracy theories about altered rain color and storm creation. Doricko addresses these concerns, explaining that the cloud seeding operation occurred far from the flood area, with winds carrying materials away from the affected region. He emphasizes that Rainmaker proactively suspended operations on July 2nd, before any flood warnings were issued.
The Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner, along with atmospheric scientists and meteorologists unaffiliated with Rainmaker, have confirmed that the cloud seeding operations had no connection to the flooding event.
Need For Transparency, Regulation, and Trust in Weather Control
Doricko acknowledges public mistrust in weather modification, citing historical examples like its use as a weapon during the Vietnam War. He advocates for increased transparency and regulation in the industry, suggesting that regulatory bodies should openly disclose suspension criteria and operations.
To build trust, Shawn Ryan recommends comprehensive documentation of cloud seeding operations, including videos and radar data. Doricko agrees, noting that while Rainmaker is already required to document their operations, they could improve their proactive communication and information sharing, despite challenges such as safety concerns affecting real-time reporting.
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Counterarguments
- While Rainmaker's operations may not have directly caused the flooding, the cumulative effect of multiple cloud seeding operations over time could potentially alter weather patterns in unpredictable ways.
- The use of silver iodide in cloud seeding raises environmental concerns, as it is a chemical agent and its long-term effects on ecosystems are not fully understood.
- The confirmation by experts that cloud seeding had no connection to the flooding does not preclude the possibility of unforeseen consequences or errors in judgment or measurement.
- Increased transparency and regulation are positive steps, but they may not be sufficient to address all public concerns, especially if the regulatory bodies lack sufficient expertise or are perceived to have conflicts of interest.
- Comprehensive documentation and proactive communication are important, but they must be accessible and understandable to the general public to be effective in building trust.
- The comparison between the volume of water produced by cloud seeding and natural tropical storms might downplay the potential risks and impacts of weather modification.
- Advocating for regulatory disclosure is beneficial, but it does not address the need for international guidelines and cooperation, given that weather patterns do not respect national borders.
- The effectiveness of cloud seeding itself is a subject of debate among scientists, and there may be a need for more conclusive research to determine its efficacy and safety.
Actionables
- You can foster informed discussions by starting a book club focused on climate science and weather modification. Choose books that delve into the science behind weather phenomena and the human impact on climate, which can help demystify complex topics like cloud seeding and address public concerns through knowledge. For example, select a title like "The Weather Machine: A Journey Inside the Forecast" by Andrew Blum to kickstart conversations on how weather is predicted and influenced.
- Enhance your critical thinking skills by creating a personal "fact-check" template for evaluating news on weather events. This template could include questions like "What is the source of this information?", "Are there any expert opinions or scientific data included?", and "What are the potential biases or interests involved?". Use this template whenever you encounter sensational news about weather modification or extreme weather events to separate fact from fiction.
- Encourage transparency by writing to your local representatives to express the importance of clear communication and regulation in weather modification. Draft a concise letter or email outlining your position on the need for comprehensive documentation and proactive communication from companies engaged in weather modification. Highlight how this transparency can build trust and ensure public safety, referencing the importance of having access to videos and radar data as part of this documentation.
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Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Activities and Operations
Rainmaker, a next-generation cloud seeding company led by founder and CEO Auguste Historical, carries out operations designed to boost precipitation in drought zones through innovative methods.
Rainmaker: Cloud Seeding Boosts Precipitation in Drought Zones
Rainmaker aims to enhance rain or snow in areas experiencing drought by utilizing a cloud seeding aircraft that disperses agents such as silver iodide.
Rainmaker Aircraft Disperses Silver Iodide to Enhance Rain or Snow
On July 2nd, Rainmaker conducted a cloud seeding operation in Texas, which involved a mission lasting 20 minutes. Historical, who was in Texas for the operation before a massive flood tragedy occurred, authorized the release of 70 grams of silver iodide into two clouds. Notably, this cloud seeding activity happened just two days before the region experienced significant flooding.
Rainmaker's 20-minute Cloud Seeding in Texas on July 2nd, two Days Before Floods, Dispersed 70 Grams of Silver Iodide
Augustus Doricko, a commentator on the matter, points out that the cloud seeding operation utilized the said amount of silver iodide—a standard measure for such undertakings.
Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Impact Was Smaller Than the Flooding Storm
While Rainmaker's activities aim to increase water supply in dry regions, the scale of its impact pales in comparison to natural weather events.
Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Yields Millions of Gallons; Tropical Storm Yields Trillions
Doricko notes that the most successful cloud seeding missions have produced tens of millions of gallons of precipitation, but this is minuscule compared to the vast quantities ge ...
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Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Activities and Operations
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Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of cloud seeding is still a subject of scientific debate, with some studies suggesting that the results are not always predictable or significant.
- The timing of the cloud seeding operation just before a massive flood could raise questions about whether it may have inadvertently contributed to the severity of the flooding, despite the small scale of the operation.
- The use of silver iodide in cloud seeding has raised environmental concerns, as it can be considered a pollutant and may have long-term impacts on the ecosystem.
- The comparison of the scale of cloud seeding to natural weather events like tropical storms might be misleading, as the intention and mechanisms of cloud seeding are fundamentally different from those of natural weather phenomena.
- The claim that Rainmaker's cloud seeding yields millions of gallons of precipitation could be challenged if there is no clear causal link established between the seeding and the precipitation.
- The assertion that the cloud seeding operation used a standard amount of silver iodide does not a ...
Actionables
- You can start a rain journal to track weather patterns and any noticeable changes after cloud seeding events in your area. By noting down the weather conditions, precipitation levels, and any local cloud seeding activities you're aware of, you'll develop a personal understanding of the impact such operations may have on your local environment. This could be as simple as a notebook where you jot down observations, or a spreadsheet where you log data more systematically.
- Consider investing in a rain barrel to collect and utilize rainwater for your garden, especially if you live in an area that benefits from cloud seeding. This not only conserves water but also provides you with a direct way to measure and benefit from increased precipitation. You'll be able to see if there's a noticeable increase in the water you collect following cloud seeding activities.
- Engage with local env ...
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Public Concerns and Accusations About the Cloud Seeding
As severe flooding strikes the United States, public concerns and accusations center on the possible impacts of the Rainmaker company's cloud seeding activities.
Concerns and Accusations: Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Worsening Texas Floods
Conspiracy Theories Claim Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Altered Rain Color or Created the Storm
Shawn Ryan discusses claims on the internet that Rainmaker's cloud seeding has altered the color of rain or even created storms. These accusations apparently arise from observations of unusual phenomena, leading some people to speculate that cloud seeding, specifically, the usage of silver iodide, is to blame.
Augustus Doricko addresses similar misconceptions, discussing the public’s confusion between condensation trails or "chemtrails" and cloud seeding. References to "The Dimming," a movie discussing geoengineering and potential chemtrails, are dismissed by Doricko. While there is no direct reference to altering rain color or creating the storm, it is evident that some public concerns exist regarding the safety of using silver iodide during cloud seeding operations.
Officials Claim Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Caused Flooding
Doricko rejects the idea that Rainmaker's cloud seeding could have worsened the storm, which he describes as impossible. He also discusses the circulation of false information by public figures, politicians, and online accounts that suggest otherwise.
Rainmaker Shows Cloud Seeding Didn't Affect Storm or Floods
Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Occurred far From and Prior to the Storm, With Weather Patterns Dispersing Materials Away From the Flood Area
Doricko clarifies that Rainmaker's operations on July 2nd were not responsible for the storm or any worsening of it. He confirms that the cloud seeding material dissipates once it has seeded the clouds and the rain has precipitated. Furthermore, Doricko provides evidence that the cloud seeding operation occurred approximately a hundred miles southeast of the storm's location with winds blowing northwest, which would have moved any aerosols away from the flood area.
Rainmaker suspended operations proactively on the afternoon of July 2nd, following the identification of an inflow of moisture from the Gulf by meteorologists. This precautionary measure was taken well before the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning on the morning of July 3rd.
Rainmaker's Cloud Seeding Not Linked To Storm or Flooding, Scientis ...
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Public Concerns and Accusations About the Cloud Seeding
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Counterarguments
- Concerns about the environmental and ecological impacts of silver iodide, despite its common use in cloud seeding, are valid and require ongoing research to ensure safety.
- The effectiveness and ethics of cloud seeding as a weather modification tool can be debated, considering the potential for unintended consequences in complex weather systems.
- The public's trust in scientific explanations and transparency from companies like Rainmaker is crucial, and skepticism may arise from a perceived lack of independent verification beyond affiliated scientists and state officials.
- The timing and location of cloud seeding operations in relation to weather events are critical, and even with precautions, there is a possibility of coincidental overlap with natural weather patterns that could lead to public misinterpretation.
- The assurance that cloud seeding did not worsen the storm or flooding may not fully address the cumulative and long-term effects of weather modification practices on r ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by researching the scientific principles behind cloud seeding and weather patterns. Start by looking up credible sources such as academic journals or government websites that explain how cloud seeding works and its effects on the environment. This will help you form your own informed opinions when encountering similar claims in the future.
- Develop a habit of fact-checking by using online tools and resources whenever you come across sensational news or statements from public figures. Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or even a simple Google search can provide insights into the validity of such claims. This practice will help you discern between misinformation and facts, especially in topics that are prone to sensationalism.
- Encourage informed discussions within your co ...
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Need For Transparency, Regulation, and Trust in Weather Control
Augustus Doricko and Shawn Ryan discuss concerns about weather modification and the public's mistrust towards such activities, advocating for more openness and regulation.
Mistrust in Government Fuels Weather Modification Conspiracy Concerns
Weather Modification as a Weapon and Secretive Government Programs Erode Public Trust
Doricko acknowledges that there's a significant public mistrust in the context of the government's handling of information about weather modification. He points to the historical use of cloud seeding as a weapon, such as by the United States during the Vietnam War, and the existence of an international treaty that bans weaponized weather modification. Doricko also highlights concerns regarding the absence of evidence of state actors participating in malicious weather modification, and echoes the necessity for a more serious regulatory framework to monitor such activities.
Especially pronounced was the case of a militia in Oklahoma blowing up radar systems due to the belief that those radars were creating severe weather, serving as a stark indication of public mistrust. Doricko also references China's significant investment in their weather modification program, which could influence geopolitical power dynamics and further erode trust in weather control practices.
Enhancing Regulation and Transparency in Weather Modification to Rebuild Trust
Doricko highlights the role of radical transparency and serious regulation in weather modification to allow public scrutiny of cloud seeding activities. He suggests that regulatory bodies such as the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which has permits for weather modification, should openly disclose "suspension criteria" and operations to the public to build trust. Additionally, Doricko calls for external monitoring by organizations like NOAA or the National Weather Service to scan for nefarious weather modification operations.
Rainmaker to Enhance Documentation and Reporting of Cloud Seeding to Build Trust
Regulatory Framework Not Always Disclosed by Rainmaker
Discussions on Rainmaker's activities revealed that the public questions who is granting permission for, and regulating, their cloud seeding operations. Doricko notes that Rainmaker is challenged by the need to disclose more details about regulatory frameworks and to document their operations comprehensively for public review.
Documentation, Case Studies, and Reports on Cloud Seeding Operations Could Address Public Concerns and Demonstrate Technology Safety and Impact
Augustus Doricko acknowledges the importance of earning the trust of skeptics and those with concerns about cloud seeding. Such trust may be facilitated by transitioning to biodegradable and organic materials in the clou ...
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Need For Transparency, Regulation, and Trust in Weather Control
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While transparency is important, there may be legitimate national security concerns that prevent full disclosure of weather modification activities.
- Regulatory frameworks may already exist but are not well-communicated to the public, leading to misconceptions about oversight.
- The effectiveness of weather modification, such as cloud seeding, is still a subject of scientific debate, and some may argue that its impact is overstated.
- The fear of weaponized weather modification might be disproportionate to the actual risks and capabilities of current technology.
- The actions of a militia in Oklahoma might not reflect widespread public mistrust but rather the beliefs of a small, radical group.
- China's investment in weather modification could be seen as a commitment to innovative solutions for climate-related challenges rather than a geopolitical power play.
- The call for radical transparency might underestimate the complexity and potential risks of sharing sensitive operational details.
- The requirement for extensive documentation and public reporting could impose significant financial and operational burdens on organizations like Rainmaker.
- The use of biodegradable and organic materials in cloud seeding might not be feasible or as effective, which could limit the practicality of such a transition.
- The suggestion that every cloud seeding operation be documen ...
Actionables
- You can foster informed discussions by starting a blog or social media page dedicated to weather modification topics, where you summarize current research, news, and developments in layman's terms. By doing this, you become a conduit for spreading knowledge and encouraging transparency. For example, after reading a scientific paper on cloud seeding, write a post that breaks down the findings and their implications for the environment and society.
- Encourage local community involvement by creating a neighborhood watch program for weather modification activities, where members keep an eye out for unauthorized or unreported operations. This grassroots approach can help ensure that any cloud seeding or weather modification in your area is conducted responsibly and with proper oversight. You might organize regular meetings to discuss observations and share them with regulatory bodies.
- Build trust ...
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