Greenhouse gases are increasing in the atmosphere. Plastic pollution is proliferating in the environment. Both are bad for the planet — and global warming could be making plastic pollution worse, scientists say.
A new paper, published Thursday, reviewed the existing scientific studies on climate change and microplastics, the tiny particles that form as plastic breaks down over time. It presents an alarming set of conclusions.
Global warming can cause plastics to break down faster and disperse more easily into natural ecosystems, such as oceans, rivers and soils. Meanwhile, studies are beginning to reveal the negative ways plastic pollution can affect life on Earth.
This field of research is still in its infancy, the researchers note. Scientists are just scratching the surface on all the ways plastics can affect human health and the natural environment. But the findings so far are concerning.
