How to Kill a Cloud

What if we could control the clouds? It’s a question that energizes the Finnish scientist Hannele Korhonen. She is specialized in geo-engineering—intervening in natural processes to influence the climate. A research grant of 1.5 million dollars, provided by the United Arab Emirates, offers her an opportunity to conduct a study into the artificial generation of rain in the desert.

The camera observes Korhonen, always from some distance. We see her at a conference, joining conversations with her somewhat awkward sense of humor, and making a presentation for the ambassador. The life of a scientist, it turns out, contains a great deal of networking and pitching.

When political interests start playing a more pronounced role, we see her doubts growing. And then there are the ethical dilemmas thrown up by the research itself. Images of clouds drift through Korhonen’s story, while in voiceover we hear reflections about the nature of clouds and humanity’s relationship with them.