Amid the climate challenges plaguing urban life, innovative approaches like cloud seeding offer promising solutions for a better future
The impact of global warming and pollution is transforming urban life, turning once vibrant towns into places that are becoming less and less livable.
Across the globe, urban landscapes, particularly in India, are evolving into concrete jungles, where the struggle for survival frequently resembles an arduous challenge. Once viewed as a shining example of culture and a centre for economic pursuits, Delhi and Mumbai now display AQI scores that seem almost staggering.
Heavy with contaminants, the noxious air has transformed into an environmental concern, leaving inhabitants struggling to breathe
while suffering from respiratory conditions. Have these cities become uninhabitable? In Delhi, pollution levels frequently fall into the "severe" category, with AQI readings often exceeding 400.
The outcomes are dire: children attending school only part-time; elderly individuals confined indoors; and hospitals inundated with cases of asthma, bronchitis and various other respiratory ailments. In Mumbai, the oppressive humidity intensifies the situation, transforming the already polluted air into a dangerous mix for its 20-million-strong populace.
Economic growth challenges the conventional use of various facilities and personal vehicles: although development fosters prosperity, it comes with significant expenses. Alongside factories and vehicles, construction sites contribute to the GDP; however, they also transform cities into perilous environments.
The alarming rise in disease cases compels us to confront a difficult reality: does the cost of progress come at the expense of the health and wellbeing of the populace? Now, comes cloud seeding, a game changer in this catastrophic scenario. The practice of introducing particles like silver iodide or salt into the atmosphere to encourage rainfall can be celebrated for its potential to cleanse the air and replenish water resources through cloud seeding.
Thus, it could indeed be the virtue that aids in easing the challenges faced by cities: pollution and water scarcity.
Countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates have been exploring this technology, while India has intermittently implemented it during severe droughts. Nonetheless, its use as a means to reduce pollution remains largely uncharted. Is cloud seeding the answer to the escalating air quality crisis in India?
Some argue that cloud seeding is not an extraordinary solution. It comes with a hefty price tag, and the long-term effects on the environment remain uncertain. What truly matters is that addressing pollution at its source—minimising industrial emissions, promoting sustainable urban growth, and shifting to clean energy—continues to be the primary goal. As cities like Delhi struggle and suffocate under the weight of toxic air, these short-term measures, like cloud seeding, may provide a fleeting but vital relief. The entire conversation regarding urban development requires a complete transformation.
Advancement must not jeopardise the wellbeing of the local population. It is essential for those in positions of authority to champion sustainable practices and enforce rigorous pollution controls to achieve a harmonious relationship between advancement and environmental stewardship.
The stakes have never been higher.
The choice before us is stark: continue on a path that suffocates our cities or embrace innovation and sustainability to breathe life back into urban spaces. The future of millions depends on the decisions we make today.
Conclusion:
The intersection of urbanisation, global warming, and pollution demands urgent action. Short-term fixes like cloud seeding can offer relief, but true progress requires systemic change—curbing emissions, adopting clean energy, and prioritising sustainable urban growth. The future of our cities and the well-being of millions depend on decisive, forward-thinking measures taken today.
(The writer is a motivator and a freelance writer; views expressed are personal)
