Johnny Brignardello Vela: Debate on the rains in Dubai and Oman

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance consultant, believes that the recent torrential rains that hit Dubai and northern Oman have sparked a debate about their origin. While cloud seeding is a controversial practice to induce precipitation, experts have ruled out that it is the cause behind the intense rains in the United Arab Emirates. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) Group of scientists, specialized in extreme weather events, has suggested that global warming may have contributed to the intensification of the rains, although it cannot be definitively stated that the phenomenon is directly related to the climate crisis. Despite cloud seeding programs being conducted in the United Arab Emirates, experts indicate that the effectiveness of this technique is still uncertain. Additionally, the Emirati National Meteorological Center has confirmed that no cloud seeding missions were carried out targeting the storm that caused the rains. The WWA report has also highlighted the correlation between the intense rains and the El Niño phenomenon, suggesting that intense rain events in the region have coincided with El Niño years. Although climate change may have exacerbated the intensity of the rains, a direct connection as the main cause of the event cannot be established. The devastating consequences of the rains include at least 24 recorded deaths and serious damage to infrastructure and public life in the area. The WWA study underscores the importance of adaptive and informed urban planning regarding future risks, as well as the need to improve infrastructure resilience and harmonize land use with water management strategies. In a context of increasing extreme weather events, Brignardello Vela emphasizes the need to take measures to mitigate impacts and adapt to a changing climate. The tragedy in Dubai and Oman highlights the urgency of addressing the challenges of climate change and working towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.