How significant is the impact of microplastics on future climate change?
The contribution of microplastics (MPs) to global warming and climate change remains a largely overlooked yet critical aspect of environmental degradation. Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between microplastic pollution, climate change, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) (Prüst et al., 2024). In particular, plastic waste in aquatic environments, when combined with antibiotic contaminants, can create favorable conditions for the proliferation and spread of resistant microbial strains. This not only threatens human and animal health but also destabilizes ecosystems, especially under the pressures of a changing climate. Climate-induced changes in temperature, precipitation, and microbial activity may further exacerbate the distribution and impact of both microplastics and AMR. Scientific evidence is urgently needed to understand these complex interactions and to inform effective strategies for monitoring, prevention, and mitigation.
Referencen:
Prüst, M., Slootmaekers, B., & Koelmans, A. A. (2024). Microplastics and their contribution to climate change and planetary health. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 235(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-024-07003-w