Clouds are tell tale signs of the weather that's approaching. A cumulonimbus cloud warns of thunderstorms while puffy stratus clouds represent light showers of rain or snow. However with the rise of microplastic use, even the weather pattern is changing.
The Science Behind It:
The size of microplastics range from less than 5 millimeters wide to invisible from the naked eye because of how microscopic they can be. However with smaller and smaller microplastic particles, they wind up influencing even the air we breathe. As a series of studies found, microplastics are "ice nucleating particles" (nucleating = forming). And with an increasing presence, these particles cause ice to from at a more rapid rate, and even in warmer temperatures.
Although there is still much to be discovered in this new realm of research, scientists are certain that this discovery will only lead to large, overarching effects upon everyone on Earth.
So what does this mean for us?
Well for starters, in times of increasing pollution, where there are more of these ice nucleating particles being produced, there is an extremely great chance for stronger surges rain or snow to fall than previously anticipated.
Additionally it could have an effect on the presence of unfiltered UV-radiation that comes through the clouds as microplastic particles form smaller than usual ice particles in clouds.
My Take:
We all know the dangers of microplastics, it surrounds us constantly on the internent, and even I have written about them multiple times in articles. However it's alarming that they are surrounding truly every aspect of our lives. Even these studies are relativity new for research, so none of us currently know the exact impact these particles have on our lives, which is scary. The fact that a problem we created is now disrupting our atmosphere's daily patterns is proof enough that we are firsthand the biggest threats to our own planet. If later studies come out and reveal that microplastics in our clouds actually don't affect us as much as we thought, then that's at least somewhat comforting, but if it confirms our suspicions, then how will we reverse it? How are we going to find solution to a problem that is literally "up in the air"? It is crucial that we take a strong stance and act on our commitment to helping our Earth in any way possible, but we should also learn to recognize aspects of our life that could contribute to these problems. Surrounding waste recycling, promote biodegradable straws and more sustainable food utensils and tools. Small tasks such as eating out with plastic is a direct factor into the dangerous presence of microplastics in our climate. We must find a way to lead a more conscious and eager lifestyle towards the environment so that we can reduce the risk of dangers from plastics and pollution in our everyday life.
