A new perspective study argues that microplastics interfere with the ocean's biological carbon pump by reducing phytoplankton photosynthesis and impairing zooplankton metabolism, while the plastisphere microbial layer on plastics can contribute to greenhouse gas production.

As microplastics degrade, they may release greenhouse gases directly, contributing to ocean warming, acidification, and biodiversity loss, with implications for fish stocks and coastal communities.

Microplastics are increasingly found throughout the ocean and environment and are now shown to interfere with the ocean's carbon absorption processes, potentially weakening the biological carbon pump.

The study adopts an integrative narrative approach, reviewing 89 studies from 2010 to 2025 to connect plastic pollution with climate dynamics and identify knowledge gaps and policy implications.

Policy priorities call for reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management, promoting biodegradable alternatives, expanding research on microplastics’ climate links, and leveraging AI-driven monitoring and new materials to mitigate waste.

Experts advocate coordinated global action to reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management, develop biodegradable alternatives, and invest in research linking plastic pollution to climate processes, including enhanced monitoring and AI-based tracking.

There are significant research gaps, particularly regarding how microplastics affect large-scale climate regulation, as most studies to date focus on presence or cleanup rather than systemic climate impacts.

Future work involves quantifying the climate impact of microplastics and developing integrated solutions as part of a broader sustainability effort.

Global plastic production exceeds 400 million tonnes per year, with much designed for single use and recycling rates under 10%, signaling rising pollution unless drastic changes occur by 2060.

The authors emphasize coordinated global action within the SDGs to address plastic pollution and climate change together, including governance reforms at the UN level.

Researchers call for UN-level reconsideration of plastics within the SDGs and for governance frameworks that jointly address microplastic pollution and climate change, especially regarding ocean warming and acidification.

Microplastics are found worldwide and are increasingly linked to environmental and health risks, including disruption of marine ecosystems and potential human exposure to toxins.