The Economics of Weather Modification: A Review and Suggestions for Future Economic Analysis

Abstract

The article is a review of existing studies relating to the economics of weather modification. Five types of weather modification activities are considered: precipitation augmentation, lightning suppression, fog suppression, hurricane modification and hail suppression. Short summaries are provided for each activity. Several factors crucial to the successful completion of economic research on weather modification are proposed, of which the most crucial are a viewpoint encompassing total economic activity rather than only the perspective of benefited sectors, guidance and consultation of atmospheric scientists, incorporation of variability of outcomes, and effects of the technology under changing economic conditions.