"Microplastics' warming abilities outweigh their potential cooling effects, something current climate models don't account for. This finding reveals a long-overlooked link between plastics and climate change."
"Plastics are not just an environmental pollutant. They can also act as a heating agent in the atmosphere, indicating a significant impact on global temperatures."
Microplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive in Earth's environment, including the atmosphere. A study from Fudan University indicates these particles may contribute to global warming. Their warming effect is estimated to be about 16% of that caused by black carbon. The study reveals that darker microplastics absorb heat, while lighter ones reflect it. Current climate models do not account for the warming effects of microplastics, highlighting a critical link between plastic pollution and climate change.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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