Page 210 - James Rodger Fleming - Fixing the sky

7.1 Cover of Vladimir K.
Zworykin’s “outline of
Weather Proposal,” october
1945. (wexler papers)

prediction, prevention, and even diversion. Long-term climatic changes might
be engineered by large-scale geographical modification projects involving such
climatically sensitive areas as deserts, glaciers, and mountainous regions. In effect,
numerical experimentation using computer models would guide field experiments
and interventions in both weather and climate. According to Zworykin,

[t]he eventual goal to be attained is the international organization of means
to study weather phenomena as global phenomena and to channel the world’s
weather, as far as possible, in such a way as to minimize the damage from cata-
strophic disturbances, and otherwise to benefit the world to the greatest extent by
improved climatic conditions where possible. Such an international organization
may contribute to world peace by integrating the world interest in a common problem
and turning scientific energy to peaceful pursuits. It is conceivable that eventual far-
reaching beneficial effects on the world economy may contribute to the cause of peace. 4

Zworykin’s proposal gained a powerful formal endorsement when von Neu-
mann attached a letter to it dated october 24, 1945, stating: “I agree with you
completely. . . . This would provide a basis for scientific approach[es] to influ-
encing the weather.” Using computer-generated predictions, von Neumann envi-
sioned that weather and climate systems “could be controlled, or at least directed,

fearS, fantaSieS, and PoSSibilitieS of Control | 193