Clouds and Farms Do Not Get Along

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about China's war against clouds. In order to have perfect Olympics at the 2008 Olympic Games, China is trying to control the weather with missiles. Seriously.

Though I'm not sure if the Chinese are even allowed to read this blog, I have a much simpler, safer solution for them--surround Beijing with farms.

By way of yesterday's "Science Times" comes a very interesting story about Australia's 2000 mile rabbit barrier and what it means for the continent's clouds.

One side of the fence, built in 1907, is filled with farmland whereas the other side has native vegetation. According to the article, written by Sonal Noticewala, the side with native vegetation is consistently blanketed with clouds while the farm side is clear.

The article is bizarre in so many ways. First, I had no idea such a fence existed. It turns out, according to Noticewala, that it hasn't been successful in keeping rabbits out of the farms.

Secondly, and more importantly, it's extraordinary that humans actions on the ground could impact the weather to such a large extent. The picture at the top of this post says it all. It is kind of frightening. Aren't clouds supposed to be above humans?

The irony is also fantastic. Farms themselves can actually bring on a drought. Farmers may have to find a way to trick the clouds. I suggest they try using some of Beijing's missiles.