A spin-off to cloud seeding is the promotion of rock weathering, a naturally-occurring process which locks up CO2. In this environment, the Calcium Silicate reacts with CO2 to produce Calcium Carbonate (chalk) and silica (SiO2). The net result is that alongside its dust production, the DGN locks up 2tons of CO2 per minute, earning itself over $1500 per hour… more than the local average annual salary!

Financing of this machine needs to be provided by a body (African Union) who has an interest in re-foresting the Sahara while stabilising the climate over North Africa and providing its peoples with sustainable rainfall.<p />

• Each DGN functions for 100 days per year, generating rain most of these days

• A ‘slow-tech’ design would encompass low speeds and a 200-year life.
• Building such machines would be viable for the existing balloon industry.

• The machine stimulates rainfall in desert regions.
• Fine dust is left high in the atmosphere, cooling the planet via ‘Global Dimming’
• CO2 is locked up by silicate weathering.

• The entire machine could be run by relatively uneducated personnel.
• Such projects could be supported by a Carbon Tax; ideally through a “World Carbon Bank”The African Union might like to finance such an initiative, providing water for thousands of people.

• Development costs are estimated at $200m.
• A full-size machine would cost about $500m.