Thailand deploys rainmaking planes as pollution chokes bangkok
A timely and interesting topic!
Yes, Thailand has indeed deployed rainmaking planes to help alleviate the severe air pollution crisis in Bangkok, which has been plagued by hazardous levels of air pollution in recent weeks.
The Thai government has been using a fleet of specially equipped planes to seed clouds with salt and silver iodide, a process known as cloud seeding, to induce rainfall and help clear the air. The planes have been flying over the city since November 2022, with the aim of producing rain showers to wash away pollutants and reduce the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air.
The air pollution crisis in Bangkok has been caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Agricultural burning: Farmers in neighboring countries, such as Myanmar and Laos, have been burning crop residues and other materials, releasing large amounts of pollutants into the air.
- Industrial activities: Bangkok's industrial sector, including factories and construction sites, has been releasing pollutants into the air.
- Vehicle emissions: The city's congested roads and high number of vehicles have contributed to the problem.
- Weather patterns: A high-pressure system has been lingering over the region, leading to a prolonged period of stagnant air and poor air quality.
The Thai government has implemented various measures to address the crisis, including:
- Implementing emergency measures to reduce emissions from vehicles and industrial activities.
- Increasing the use of public transportation and promoting the use of electric vehicles.
- Conducting cloud seeding operations to induce rainfall.
- Providing air purifiers and masks to residents.
- Encouraging people to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.
The deployment of rainmaking planes is just one part of the government's efforts to address the air pollution crisis in Bangkok. While the planes may not be a long-term solution, they can help to provide temporary relief and improve air quality in the short term.