China creates 50 billion tons of artificial rain every year

The rain gods of the Chinese Communist Party have given the country almost 50 billion tonnes of rain in the last year, according to a new report submitted to the National People's Congress. 

The report says that a total of 2,266 counties covering five million square kilometres (1.9 million square miles) use weather modification and artificial rain. 

Despite the considerable investment in weather modification, areas of China still suffer from severe droughts, a situation only worsened by climate change. In July, the Ministry of Finance approved a further 194 million yuan to help fight drought in Guizhou, Chongqing, and areas south of the Yangzte river. 

Artificial rain has also been used for less obviously altruistic means. Clouds over Beijing were seeded in the run up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in order to ensure a dry opening ceremony. 

[Image via Flickr]