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10 CLOUD SEEDING construction and occupancy, and the social dynamics of the neighbor- hood are affected. In all, some benefits and some liabilities are realized. The actual net benefit depends on the sum of all the influential factors. So it is with enhancement of precipitation by cloud seeding. Any modifica- tion of the weather is in itself an environmental impact; such an impact may be measurable or perceived and may have desirable or undesirable effects, or both. It would be unusual for all those affected to have the same point of view. Public voices demand increased recreational opportunities, more en- ergy from hydroelectric power projects, improvement of the environ- ment, protection of fish and wildlife, and improvement in the quality of water flowing in rivers. At the same time, increasing population, indus- trial growth, energy development, and irrigated agriculture compete in the economic arena for additional water. Cloud seeding projects designed to respond to a number of voices or influence precipitation over large areas tend to face comparatively complex questions and responses from groups with differing interests. Conflicts are likely, and efforts to recon- cile them will demand understanding and responsiveness that go well beyond the technology itself. Ecologists, economists, geographers, political scientists, and sociolo- gists, as well as atmospheric scientists, have addressed the complex issues that arise with the development and application of cloud seeding technology. Selected information exemplifying these aspects of cloud seeding is summarized in this chapter. The material is intended to stimu- late appropriate consideration for the interdisciplinary factors that affect a successful cloud seeding program. 2.2 ECONOMIC ASPECTS In view of the uncertainties which attend the application of weather modification by cloud seeding, one might inquire why it has been so widely adopted around the world. The answer, of course, lies in the large economic benefits it offers. Although difficult to measure ex- actly, the perceived benefits far outweigh the cost of implementing programs (Dennis 1980). According to the Weather Modification Advisory BoardS (WMAB 1978), the "collective impact of the analyses now on record clearly sug- gests that an operational weather modification capacity will provide impressive economic benefits from enhancement of our water resources." 5The WMAB was given direction from Congress and appointed by the Secre- tary of Commerce under the National Weather Modification Policy Act of 1976, P.L. 94-490, to assess the scientific and technological state of weather modification at that time.