Are Clouds A Serious Conspiracy Theory?

Canadian atmospheric scientist Katherine Hayhoe has defended the “chemtrails” conspiracy theory, which claims that strange cloud formations are not actually secret government conspiracy. The theory, which emerged from a military paper and patent, has become a common conspiracy both in the U.S. and around the world, despite evidence to the contrary. Chemtrails are not secret sprays of dangerous chemicals but natural vapour trails from aircraft. A study by 77 experts found no evidence of a secret program to spray chemicals in the sky.

The chemtrails belief is based on misinterpreted photos and anecdotes. The theory emerged from a military paper and a patent, and was popularized by fringe media and politicians. Some people believe that governments spray chemicals in the sky to manipulate the weather or harm the public. A Facebook post claims that “chemtrails” are poisoning the atmosphere and causing diseases, but experts say this is false.

In a world of water shortages, cloud-seeding may increasingly be a focus for international disputes. Many people who respond to surveys saying they believe in conspiracy theories probably don’t think they are actually true. A well-established conspiracy theory asserts that these trails aren’t made from condensation at all, but are instead chemicals being sprayed by the aircraft.