Drones Used for Cloud Seeding in Alaska

In August 2026, Rainmaker, a San Francisco start-up, conducted cloud-seeding experiments in Homer, Alaska, which resulted in the production of approximately 19 million US gallons of water in three hours. This technology, which has been in use for over 80 years, involves dispersing compounds like silver iodide into clouds to form ice crystals that eventually fall as precipitation. Cooper Freeman, the Alaska director of the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed concerns about the lack of public notification regarding the experiments and the safety of the substances used. He noted that there was no downstream monitoring to assess the environmental impact of silver iodide. Freeman also criticized the approach as a distraction from addressing more pressing water conservation issues. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted global water security challenges, stating that freshwater is being consumed faster than it can be replenished. Cloud seeding does not create rainstorms; Rainmaker's output equates to approximately 0.01 inch of rain across 100 square miles. Despite this, over 50 countries are developing weather modification programs. Augustus Doricko, Rainmaker's CEO, defended the safety of silver iodide, stating that the concentration released is significantly below FDA thresholds. Rainmaker operates in various regions, including Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Jordan, where water scarcity is a significant issue. The technology's origins date back to 1946, and while it can increase precipitation by 5 to 10% under optimal conditions, its effectiveness has been variable. Recent advancements, including the use of drones, have been noted as promising for the industry. Additionally, Recast Systems is exploring biodegradable alternatives to silver iodide for cloud seeding, which could enhance efficiency and safety.