Global Warming and Plastic Pollution Are Inextricably Trapped in a “Vicious Circle”

Research from Sweden has uncovered a “vicious circle” linking global warming and plastic pollution, where each problem exacerbates the other, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions, faster deterioration of plastics, and greater environmental pollution. This cycle is fueled by the rapid degradation of plastics in warmer temperatures, necessitating their frequent replacement and thus, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

“A self-reinforcing cycle is formed, creating a vicious circle between climate change and plastic pollution,” Wei says. One effect of global warming is faster deterioration of plastics, which in turn results in higher carbon emissions, says Xinfeng Wei, seen here unpacking plastic pellets in the polymer materials lab at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Credit: David Callahan

The researchers draw attention to the combined effects of heat and moisture, which rise together due to global warming. “A warmer atmosphere increases the evaporation of moisture and can also hold more water vapor,” Wei says.

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