The effects of plastic on global warming have been rising steadily over the years. Plastic production, use, and disposal all have the potential to contribute to climate change, leading to numerous environmental, economic, and social consequences. While it is true that plastics benefit society in many ways, the benefits are small compared to the magnitude of their potential for harm. This article will explore why, and how, plastic is contributing to global warming.
Plastic is a material consisting of synthetic polymers derived from natural sources such as petroleum that can be molded into any shape. This malleability and practicality has made it a popular choice for packaging, construction materials, and virtually any manufactured product. Its ubiquity makes it nearly impossible to estimate the global volume of plastic in circulation, but estimates suggest that around 8 million metric tons are releasing into the oceans each year.
The first way plastic contributes to global warming is through its production process. The production of plastic requires energy, most of which is generated using fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. The higher the demand for plastic, the greater the amount of energy used in its production. This energy production- also referred to as emissions- produces greenhouse gases that trap energy and increase the global temperature.
The second way plastic contributes to global warming is through its long-term presence on the planet. Synthetic polymers are not biodegradable, meaning they do not decompose in the environment. This means that the plastic will remain intact for hundreds, or even thousands, of years after it is first produced. This also means that plastics will continue to absorb energy from the sun, causing the temperature of the environment to increase.
The third way is that plastics impede the ability of plants to produce oxygen. Phytoplankton, which are microscopic photosynthetic organisms, are the backbone of the global oxygen cycle. When plastic enters the water, it can clog up waterways and prevent phytoplankton from accessing the sun’s rays, thereby limiting their ability to produce oxygen. This can cause decreased oxygen levels in the air, leading to an increase in the global temperature.
The fourth way is that plastics contribute to global warming through their release of gasses. Plastic has a tendency to degrade over time, releasing harmful chemicals and other potentially toxic compounds. When these compounds are released into the environment, they can react with other atmospheric gasses to produce more energy and, thus, further contribute to global warming.
Finally, the fifth way plastic contributes to global warming is through the release of particles into the air. Microplastics, which are small pieces of plastic, often escape into the atmosphere and can linger for decades. These particles can act as a kind of “heat sink”, trapping energy from the sun and causing the global temperature to increase.
It is important to remember that plastic has many benefits in modern society, particularly in terms of convenience and cost. However, the long-term implications of its excessive use are far more damaging than any short-term benefits it provides. In order to address the issue of global warming, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and move toward sustainable solutions such as recycling, composting, and clean energy production.
In conclusion, it is clear that plastic has the potential to cause significant harm to the environment and contribute to global warming. Although it is possible to track, manage, and reduce the amount of plastic that is produced and released into the environment, we must take responsibility for our actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our planet. Only by taking a proactive approach to reduce our plastic consumption and invest in sustainable solutions can we mitigate the effects of global warming.
