From production to degradation: exploring the connection between microplastics and climate change

The extensive manufacturing and use of plastics have led to their infiltration into the environment. Yet, the connection between microplastic pollution and climate change is largely unexplored. The entire plastic lifecycle, including production, transportation, waste and degradation contributes to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Extreme weather events caused by climate change can increase the distribution of plastic litter that reaches the marine environment. Plastic pollution and climate change could cause alteration to carbon sequestration and impact marine carbon pumps. This review discusses plastic’s contribution to climate change; plastic degradation and climate change in the marine environment and biofilm’s role in microplastic degradation in the marine environment. Recommendations are offered for plastic mitigation.