ocean plastic and climate change

How Does Plastic In The Ocean Affect Climate Change

Whats on this page?

How Does Plastic In The Ocean Affect Climate Change – 2 Main Ways

There are 2 main ways that plastic in the ocean affects climate change. These include plastic degradation and methane release, and microplastics and ocean acidification.

Plastic Degradation and Methane Release

When plastic waste accumulates in the ocean, it breaks down into smaller particles, releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases. This includes methane, into the water and atmosphere. This process contributes to climate change by increasing the concentration of methane in the atmosphere, which is a potent greenhouse gas.

Microplastics and Ocean Acidification

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are widely dispersed in the ocean and are harmful to marine life. They also contribute to ocean acidification, which has serious implications for the planet’s climate.

As ocean acidification increases, it disrupts the balance of the ocean’s chemistry and can negatively impact marine life and their ability to produce the gases that regulate the earth’s climate. 

While the earth’s oceans have absorbed up to 40% of all man-made carbon since the industrial era, early stage research indicates that the infiltration of microplastics into our seas is disrupting their capacity to act as a natural carbon sink.

Microplastic In The Ocean

microplastic in the ocean

The Impact Of Plastic Waste On Climate Change

The impact of plastic waste on the ocean is a growing concern, as it not only poses a threat to marine life, but also contributes to climate change. Plastic production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide, making it a major contributor to global warming. The environmental impact of plastic pollution is significant and it is crucial that we take action to reduce waste and mitigate the effects of plastic on our planet.

How Else Does Plastic Waste Impact Climate Change?

Single-Use Plastics & Landfill Waste

Single use plastics contribute hugely to plastic pollution in the ocean, as it is often discarded after a single use and ends up in landfills or in the ocean. Landfill waste is also a significant source of methane emissions, which contribute to climate change. This highlights the importance of reducing single use plastic and finding alternatives to traditional plastic products.

Plastic Production Dependence on Fossil Fuels

The majority of plastic is produced from petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Plastic production is a significant consumer of these non-renewable resources, contributing to the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and increasing the reliance on these sources of energy.

Contamination of Fossil Fuel Sources

Plastic waste in the ocean can contaminate oil and gas reserves, making them difficult to extract and reducing the overall quality of the fuel. This can lead to increased costs for the fossil fuel industry and reduce the efficiency of energy production.

How To Reduce Our Impact On Climate Change and Plastic Pollution

Reducing Plastic Production

To mitigate the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and the environment, it is crucial that we reduce the production and use of plastic to take action to reduce waste. The international community must work together to implement policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve waste management practices, and promote sustainable production methods.

Increase Recycling Rates

Whilst much of our plastic waste ends up floating in our oceans, we must increase recycling rates across the world. This will allow us to create new products from our plastic waste, rather than festering in waters for years to come. In order to increase our recycling rates, people can practice correct waste management, and businesses implement effective recycling programs. At Plastic Expert, we help businesses across the UK recycle their plastic waste and divert materials from landfills and oceans.

Related Post
Popular posts

Key Takeaways A few locations with the most litter include North America such as Mexico City, South East Asia and

What Is A PET Bottle PET stands for Polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic that is used to make plastic

What Is A Sustainable Product & The Benefits A sustainable product is a product that uses resources in an efficient

Book a Collection Today!

Contact us today to recycle more plastic waste for your business.

Plastic Recycling Collected

ENQUIRE NOW

Fill out the form below to receive a quote. We will get back to you shortly.
Contact Information
Waste Information