The tiny fragments of plastic are less than five millimetres in length. You can barely see them with the human eye. Yet somehow, they have infiltrated virtually every corner of our planet. They have been found in the deepest ocean trenches, the highest mountain peaks¹ and even the human bloodstream².

Now the spread of microplasticsMicroplastics are fragments of degraded plastic that are less than five millimetres in length. They are blown into the atmosphere and transported by ocean currents.  has taken a startling new turn. New research³ suggests that these microscopic particles may even be changing the weather. 

Microplastics are formed from larger plastic debris through weathering, abrasionRough scraping or wearing away. and industrial processes. 

Scientists from Shandong University in China have detected microplastics in cloud water samples collected atop Mount Tai, a sacred mountain in eastern China. The study found microplastics in 86% of the samples, indicating their widespread presence in the atmosphereThe layer of gases surrounding a planet or moon, held in place by that planet's gravity. Small planets and moons have weak gravitational fields, and therefore only a very thin atmosphere..

Clouds play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate. They influence precipitation patterns, temperature fluctuations and solar radiationEnergy produced by the sun.. Microplastics, scientists say, could alter cloud formation and precipitation patterns. They could also absorb heat, potentially affecting local and regional weather conditions, although researchers say that further studies are needed to establish what effect they really have.

Many are now asking how we can address microplastic pollution. Experts point out that this requires a multi-pronged approach.⁴ Firstly, we need to reduce plastic consumption. "Reduce has to be the first action," says the "godfather of microplastics", Richard Thompson. 

Others suggest we need to look towards sustainable alternatives. The World Wide Fund for Nature claims that "the best thing we can do for wildlife and the planet is to make a permanent switch to reusables". 

There are more inventive solutions too, such as plastic eating bacteria.⁵ As this is an international issue an international response is needed. United NationsAn international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world. delegates are meeting in Kenya this week to negotiate a historic global treatyA formal agreement, usually between two or more countries. on plastic pollution - but they are struggling to come to any agreement over whether a new pact should include bindingAn agreement or promise that cannot be broken, or the cover of a book that holds it together. limits on plastic production. Major oil and plastic producers like Saudi Arabia oppose production limits.⁶

Yes: Public awareness of plastic pollution's harmful effects is growing and governments are taking action to reduce plastic consumption, including banning single-use plastics and taxing plastic products.

No: Plastic is cheap and everywhere. It takes a long time to change how people buy things and how things are made. Plus, plastic manufacturers do not want to change because they make a lot of money from it.

Or... Making changes is hard. But lots of people are dedicating their lives to just that. For it to be successful, we all need to play a part. We need to reduce our consumption but also lobby for change.

Microplastics - Microplastics are fragments of degraded plastic that are less than five millimetres in length. They are blown into the atmosphere and transported by ocean currents. 

Abrasion - Rough scraping or wearing away.

Atmosphere - The layer of gases surrounding a planet or moon, held in place by that planet's gravity. Small planets and moons have weak gravitational fields, and therefore only a very thin atmosphere.

Solar radiation - Energy produced by the sun.

United Nations - An international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world.

Treaty - A formal agreement, usually between two or more countries.

Binding - An agreement or promise that cannot be broken, or the cover of a book that holds it together.