Increasing Global Temperatures Can Worsen Plastic Waste Problem [Study]

Warming conditions can help amplify the problems of plastic pollution, alter plastic characteristics, and increase the risks of hazardous substance release.  

Plastic pollution is an environmental concern that has widespread impacts on the following:

• communities
• animals' food source and behavior
• wildlife habitats
• ecosystems. 

The rapid production of plastic can contribute to waste, causing more macroplastics and microplastics.

Plastic and Rising Temperatures 

As a result, the mitigation and reduction of plastic pollution are crucial for communities and the environment to prevent its devastating effects on people's health and wildlife's survival. The presence of plastic can alter the environment and change animals' behavior.

In the latest report, researchers raised concerns about the impacts of a warming climate on plastic pollution. Climate change can intensify warmer conditions and increase the average global temperature. The research findings were published in Nature.

Understanding the impacts of plastic pollution is crucial for mitigation efforts and provides new insights into protecting the environment, especially since heat waves have intensified and become more frequent.

According to researchers, a warming climate can contribute to increasing waste, amplifying the plastic problem. The report reveals that it can alter plastic characteristics and potentially help in releasing hazardous substances.

Researchers explain that temperatures can cause the thermal expansion of polymer materials like rubber and plastic, which are sensitive to rising temperatures.

In addition, it can increase microplastic risks, causing the formation of microplastics or tiny particles under 5mm. When temperatures become warmer, it can rapidly lead to microplastic formation.

Also Read: Plastic Debris in Marine Animals Can Likely Harm Humans, Study Warns

Sea Turtles Found With Plastics and Halloween Toys

As a result, a recent study examined the potential impacts of plastic pollution on 135 loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. Researchers discovered the plastic debris inside the animals' guts. raising concerns about the plastic pollution problem.

The research findings were published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin journal, aiming to provide new insights into addressing plastic pollution in parts of the Mediterranean.

The findings revealed that about 40% of the examined turtles showed signs of microplastics, which measure over 5mm. The researchers are from the following:

•  University of Exeter
• North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT)

The said turtle is a significant bioindicator that can offer new knowledge about the irreversible impacts of plastic pollution. Without urgent mitigation efforts, plastics can likely enter the ocean more, causing devastating effects on the marine population. According to the reports, Halloween toys, and bottle tops are some of the plastic debris.

Studies about the impacts of plastic pollution are crucial to preventing the potential decline of marine species and saving them from population decline exacerbated by other threats.

Related Article: Microplastic in Apex Predators: Plastic Found in Shark Species, Fish in South-East Queensland

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