Introduction

A conspiracy theory explains a situation or an event that was invoked by a sinister group. In most cases, the explanations refute the accepted narrative in the scenario, and the official version is considered conspiracy proof. Chemtrails is a theory that explains how the governments or other associated parties participate in a secret program where they add hazardous chemicals or biological agents into the atmosphere through aircraft—the toxic fumes in the sky display visible plumes that resemble contrails. The toxic fumes generally are introduced due to nefarious reasons done without the knowledge of the general population (Birchall, p 45). Condensation trails or contrails are condensed water vapor strips developed in the atmosphere by a rocket or airplanes at high altitudes. 

The Chemtrails are formed when there is fossil fuel combustion that emits water vapor and carbon dioxide. Typically, the air is cold at high altitudes; thus, the hot, humid air from the engine exhaust mixes with the colder air and causes the water vapor to condense into ice crystals or droplets that result in visible clouds.  The research explains how proponents support the existence of the Chemtrails conspiracy theory. It also describes how opponents refute the presence of the Chemtrails conspiracy theory. Moreover, the study also portrays how individuals are willing to believe in conspiracies and cover-ups. It also illustrates how exposure to Chemtrails is dangerous to human life.  Moreover, the research also focuses on how such theories gain many followers and demonstrate human behavior.

The research also explains how proponents support the existence of the Chemtrails conspiracy theory. Proponents believe there is the existence of Chemtrails conspiracy. They have tried to prove and explain chemical spraying does happen, and some of the analyses they have developed may be based on misconceptions, or it could be flawed. For instance, globally, some persistent conspiracy theorists have questioned and explained the government involvement in Chemtrails exposure where they have numerously stated the standard condensation trails are supposedly the Chemtrails (The Government’s Hidden Agenda: A Look Inside Chemtrails).  

They support the existence of the theory through various videos posted on the internet platform, through their sky phenomena interpretations, the government programs reports and observing the lingering tracks left by military or unmarked airplanes that fly at typical locations, unusual concentrations of sky tracks in a single area and the presence of visible color spectra in the streams (Chemtrails Conspiracy Theory). They also have specific beliefs about the alleged conspiracy goals and the impacts of its alleged efforts. Chemtrails conspiracy theory proponents also believe that Chemtrails can be differentiated from condensation trails by their long duration. They assert that the Chemtrails are the trails with parallel stripe, criss-cross, or grid-like patterns that persist for as long as half-day and eventually transition into cirrus-like clouds (The Government’s Hidden Agenda: A Look Inside Chemtrails). 

  For instance, Testing was done on the soil where the chemtrails has been stated to have fallen. Chemtrails were discovered on the soil. A panel of atmospheric geochemists and chemists responded to the claims to give their research findings. The contrails patterns were from the multiple aircraft that flew in different directions, intersecting their trails. Condensation trails lasted to several hours depending on the atmospheric conditions at the altitude where the plane flew on. However, there are no scientific findings of chemicals in the trails; scientists claim whoever collected the samples did not do so accurately (Chemtrails Conspiracy Theory).

The research explains how opponents refute the existence of the Chemtrails conspiracy theory. According to  (The Government’s Hidden Agenda: A Look Inside Chemtrails), no one has observed any credible evidence to depict that chemtrails exist. For instance, the nonbelievers of the existence of Chemtrails conspiracy believe that if anyone had a glimpse of any government parastatals endangering their citizens, it would have been every individual’s responsibility to stop and expose such heinous activities. The scientific community also dismisses the claim of Chemtrails conspiracy existence, because they assess the information and theory presented on an evidence-based approach (Locke, p 573). No evidence purports chemtrails differ from the usual water-based condensation trails that are often left behind by aircraft that fly so high under specific atmospheric conditions. 

Opponents believe it would be tough to keep such a program secret because it would be so evident for a single program or individual to expose it by leaking photographs, documents, or even the actual hardware. They also argue that if a government program dumping materials from aircraft on a large-scale, there would be a sizeable operating program that manufactures loads and disperse materials. They also believe if the program existed, it would employ many individuals to work in the program. The opponents do not believe in the theory’s existence because proponents have only claims and sky photos, which are not hard evidence (The Government’s Hidden Agenda: A Look Inside Chemtrails).

Moreover, it is believed that the condensed water trails from the aircraft are chemtrails that possess toxic chemicals designed to harm humans. They also argue that the chemicals released are unknown because it is only limited to a few planes that can analyze them and are expensive. The substances are intentionally placed in the government’s jets to reduce human beings’ life expectancy, control the human population, for sterilization, weather control, solar radiation management, chemical or biological warfare, or mind control. Chemtrails also lead to respiratory diseases and other related health issues.  The belief was initiated in the 1990s when some journalists commenced describing the government plots to inject poisons in the air by jet plane trails (Chemtrails Conspiracy Theory). The opinion is still upheld by many; however, some scientific agencies and the Air Force have responded to information sites with the information and have explained the data is incorrect. Information concerning this extraordinary belief is on YouTube and various online platforms. The remarkable idea is vital to view as many people believe that the government has a secret mission to harm its citizens, and they will conduct their missions oblivious of people’s needs. (Stevenson and Dryzek, p 200).

The study also portrays how individuals are willing to believe in conspiracies and cover-ups. People believe in the scheme because they have a perception that the government has a plan and should be blamed for many health issues globally. Unfortunately, these individuals are usually misinformed. For instance, when scientists try to disapprove of their beliefs, their explanation is generally dashed away as part of the government’s cover up. Most individuals do not trust what the governments opt to do, but they trust the individuals’ goodwill who take it upon themselves to risk exposing the government agencies’ misdeeds. It should be noted that the internet is full of people who are entirely sure about false information. Nevertheless, it should also be reported even though governments keep a lot of secrets from the public, those involved with the government do an awful job of keeping large-scale programs secret, significantly when it can harm the public (Chemtrails Conspiracy Theory). 

            The study also focuses on how such theories gain many followers and what it demonstrates about human behavior. They gain a lot of followers through social media.  Social media carefully selects information and relate it with anecdotal evidence. It then leads to an increase in extremist, violent, or radicalized behavior, mass manipulation through public opinion, targeting of specific individuals, areas, and organizations, it also leads to mainstreaming of debunked perspective, it also contributes to social polarization and the public undermining the public institutions and leaders’ confidence (Media Literacy & Misinformation: How It Spreads – Social Media & Conspiracy Theories).

Conclusion

Chemtrails is a theory that explains how the governments or other associated parties participate in a secret program where they add hazardous chemicals or biological agents into the atmosphere through aircraft—the toxic fumes in the sky display visible plumes that resemble contrails. The Chemtrails are formed when there is fossil fuel combustion that emits water vapor and carbon dioxide. The research explains how proponents support the existence of the Chemtrails conspiracy theory. It also describes how opponents refute the presence of the Chemtrails conspiracy theory. Moreover, the study also portrays how individuals are willing to believe in conspiracies and cover-ups. It also illustrates how exposure to Chemtrails is dangerous to human life.  Moreover, the research also focuses on how such theories gain many followers and demonstrate human behavior.

Works Cited

“Chemtrails Conspiracy Theory.” The Keith Group, keith.seas.harvard.edu/chemtrails-conspiracy-theory.

“Media Literacy & Misinformation: How It Spreads – Social Media & Conspiracy Theories.” LibGuides at Monmouth University, 29 Oct. 2020, guides.monmouth.edu/c.php?g=706299&p=6903890.

“The Government’s Hidden Agenda: A Look inside Chemtrails.” U.osu.edu | Ohio State’s Professional Website Platform, 18 Apr. 2019, u.osu.edu/vanzandt/2019/04/18/the-governments-hidden-agenda-a-look-inside-chemtrails/.

Birchall, C. (2006). Knowledge goes pop: From conspiracy theory to gossip. Taylor & Francis.

Locke, S. (2009). Conspiracy culture, blame culture, and rationalisation. The Sociological Review, 57(4), 567-585. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954x.2009.01862.x

Stevenson, H., & Dryzek, J. S. (2012). The discursive democratisation of global climate governance. Environmental Politics, 21(2), 189-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2012.651898