New Delhi: Climate change and global warming are threatening the existence of Earth and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Pollution is the main reason behind climate change and in that, plastic pollution is possibly one of the most harmful. The use of plastic and its disposal is giving rise to increased pollution. In recent years, plastic pollution has become more dangerous than ever, and we need to put a stop to it. However, in many countries in the world, especially in developing nations, the common people are not really aware of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the lakes, rivers and oceans every day. It is a global problem and 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems every year. Plastic pollution can change natural processes and habitats and reduce the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change. In this article, we will take a look at some of the harmful effects of climate change.
How does plastic affect our environment?
They are non-biodegradable
Plastics that we use are non-biodegradable, which means once we throw them, they remain in the soil for years. Plastic particles can remain in nature for 100 to even 1000 years and are either lying in landfills or hiding deeply under the soil. Plastic, if not recycled properly, continues to pollute the environment. Single-use plastics are deadly for nature and they pollute the environment for years. When they are burnt, those plastics spread poisonous fumes into the air.
Disrupt marine life
Plastics which find their way to the rivers, seas and oceans disrupt marine life greatly. Plastic items, which take years to get assimilated, go to water bodies where they disrupt and damage marine life. According to reports, more than 1 million marine animals die because of plastic. Marine animals tend to consume plastic or food which already has plastic in it, leading to their death. One study has shown that about 52 per cent of all turtle species have ingested plastics.
Effects of microplastic
The low-quality plastic, when exposed to the sun breaks down faster than those plastics which are heavier. After breaking down, it becomes toxic microplastics which have several contaminants like trace metals and some organic chemicals which are potentially harmful. They are carcinogenic and enter the food chain in no time.
Harms soil and water
Plastic destroys the environment as it has toxic chemicals like Antimony and Bisphenol which seep into the soil and water bodies and affect them negatively. Those places become unfit for the survival of living organisms due to plastic pollution.
Affects climate
Plastic pollution is one of the major reasons for climate change. The process of producing plastic emits greenhouse gases which leads to climate change. Climate change is a major threat to the very existence of this planet and it will only get worse if we do not put an end to the emission of greenhouse gases.
Pollution is the main reason behind climate change and in that, plastic pollution is possibly one of the most harmful. The use of plastic and its disposal is giving rise to increased pollution. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
