Microplastics and Climate Change: A Mutually Reinforcing Relationship

Abstract

Plastics—macro, micro, or nano—have become persistent, pervasive, and potentially hazardous pollutants infiltrating the global environment. Microplastics (<5 mm) owing to their increased surface area as compared to their mass and small size are considered more harmful than larger plastics. The issue of their environmental presence has gained momentum due to their ability to act as sources and sinks for toxic substances, and also due to the intensification of climate change. Climate change stimulates their deterioration, dispersal, and the interaction with the environmental compartments. In turn the plastic debris contributes directly or indirectly to greenhouse gas emissions during its life cycle. Plastics account for 3.3% of the global GHG emissions. Thus, microplastics and climate change share a mutually reinforcing relationship. For effective management of both these issues, it is imperative to understand the nature and dynamics of this complex relationship. This chapter aims to discuss the long-term ecological impacts of microplastics and climate change on each other.