Legal aspects of weather modification

Weather modification may be defined as any artificially produced change in the composition, behaviour or dynamics of the atmosphere, when such change is produced with intent to alter the weather. This article examines the legal aspects of weather modification in South Africa. In this country, weather modification has been governed by the South African Water Act since 1972, and a system of administrative control has been established through licensing and criminal sanction. In property law weather modification involves problems regarding rights to clouds, air and precipitation. Weather modification activities also involve potential delictual liability for property damage or nuisance; and proof of causation is the most important problem facing a plaintiff. Weather modification also has implications for international law, and a comprehensive international treaty on the subject is desirable. Notes, ref.