Could Microplastics Be Affecting The Climate?

This is one of those “we’re not quite sure, we’ll throw it out there” articles, but, it is the kind of environmental articles that actually interests me and doesn’t cause derision for the climate cult, because I do have a problem with plastics and especially microplastics, which are bad for the environment

Microplastics could be affecting the weather, new study shows

Microplastics have already been found in the remotest parts of the world, including Antarctica – and a new study suggests they could be affecting the weather.

Microplastics, which are formed when plastic in the environment breaks down into tiny particles, have also been found in plant roots and human organs – and now scientists believe they could be affecting how clouds form.

The finding could mean that plastic pollution may influence rainfall, potentially worsen climate change – and even pose risks to planes. The new Penn State research builds on previous studies, which showed that microplastics affected clouds.

The study showed that microplastics help ice crystals form inside clouds by acting as ‘ice nucleating particles’, the researchers say.

Using four common plastics, the researchers simulated water droplets freezing inside a cloud. They found that droplets with microplastic particles froze at temperatures 5 to 10 C higher than droplets without plastic pollution.

So, not only are microplastics bad for the environment and life, but, they could be creating snow and rain at higher temperatures than normal, which is exactly along the lines of me saying that mankind is not blameless in climatic changes. The question is, how much? How much more rain and snow is this causing?

In general, clouds cool the Earth by reflecting solar radiation, but certain clouds at certain altitudes can have a warming effect by helping to trap energy emitted from the Earth.

I would like to see more research into this. And more action in reducing microplastics.

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