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Tiny particles of plastic, that penetrate into all corners of our planet, have proven to be able to influence global climate processes.
New research, conducted by scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, showed that microparticles of plastic, entering the atmosphere, contribute to the formation of ice in clouds.
Previously, scientists had already detected microplastics in the most remote corners of the planet: in the deepest ocean basins, on mountain tops, and even in the human body. However, the impact of these particles on the climate remained poorly understood.
In a new study, scientists have demonstrated that microplastics act as condensation nuclei around which ice crystals form in clouds. This means that it can influence the pattern of precipitation, cloud formation, and ultimately the global climate.
The results of the study show that microplastics can either increase or decrease the greenhouse effect, depending on the type of cloud in which it resides. For example, an increase in the number of ice crystals in clouds can lead to an increase in the reflectivity of the Earth, which, in turn, can lead to a cooling of the climate. However, if microplastics contribute to the formation of denser clouds, this could lead to heat being trapped in the atmosphere and increasing the greenhouse effect.
Scientists emphasize that additional research is needed to better understand how microplastics affect climate processes. However, it is already clear that the problem of plastic pollution has much more serious consequences than previously thought.
The discovery of scientists from Pennsylvania State University once again confirms that the problem of plastic pollution is global and requires urgent measures to solve it. It is necessary to reduce the production and use of plastic, as well as to develop effective methods of its utilization and processing.
