Microplastics absorb heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming, as if they weren't bad enough
undefined 12, 2026
A new study finds microplastics and nanoplastics in the atmosphere contribute to global warming by absorbing sunlight and radiation. While lighter particles can reflect light, darker ones, and those that darken over time, create a net warming effect about five times stronger than any cooling. Though small compared to CO₂, their impact is comparable to emissions from a small country, highlighting plastic pollution as an added climate concern.
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