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<br />This chapter provides information based on referenced <br />work which can be used as a guide when considering the application <br />of weather modification. Space does not permit either in-depth <br />discussion of complete coverage, but consideration has been <br />given to presenting major issues. <br /> <br />2.2 Economic Effects <br /> <br />, The expectation of some form of economic benefit provides <br />the primary motivation for the application of weather modifica- <br />tion. Rational decision-making calls for a valid benefit-cost <br />analysis, including any disbenefits which, may partially or <br />totally offset the benefits. <br /> <br />To accurately e~aluate economic benefits and disbenefits <br /> <br />of weather modification, there must be an understanding of <br />It should be known when precipitation <br />can be anticipated, <br /> <br />the technology itself. <br /> <br />is, or can be, altered, how much of an increase <br />how often, and with what side effects. <br /> <br />"For the most part, this knowledge is not available <br />today. Scientific uncertainty currently exists <br />regarding the effectiveness of such teChnologies. <br />The results of economic evaluation will depend heavily <br />on the assumptions made about the effectiveness <br />of the technology, therefore the economic evaluation <br />is also uncertain." (17) <br /> <br />As the technology advances, more concrete estimates of <br />effect can be expected. The alternatives available now are <br />to rely on current information to solve today's problems or <br />to postpone action until more is known. <br /> <br />A numher of studies have addressed possible economic <br />impacts resulting from weather modification activities. The <br /> <br />2-2 <br />