image of this article category

Finding a "dangerous substance" in the clouds.. What is its effect on the climate?

28.09.2023 05:33 AM
Latest
Finding a "dangerous substance" in the clouds.. What is its effect on the climate?
dooklik website logo
share
share this article on facebook
share this article on twitter
share this article on whatsapp
share this article on facebook messenger
Finding a "dangerous substance" in the clouds.. What is its effect on the climate?

Sky News reported that researchers in Japan have confirmed that they have found micro plastic particles in the clouds, and their presence could lead to climate change in ways that are not yet clear.

Scientists went to Mount Fuji and Aoyama to collect water coming from the clouds surrounding their peaks, as part of a study published in the journal Environmental Chemistry Letters.

“To our knowledge, this is the first time the presence of micro plastics suspended in cloud water has been confirmed,” the scientists wrote in their study.

Using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers detected 9 different types of polymers and one rubber in micro plastics found in the atmosphere, which range in size from 7.1 to 94.6 micrometers.

Scientists have found a large number of polymers that love or attract water, indicating a possible role in cloud formation and thus climate.

“If we do not proactively address the problem of plastic air pollution, changes in climate and environmental risks could become a reality, causing serious and irreversible environmental damage in the future,” study lead author Hiroshi Okoshi said in a statement Wednesday.

Hiroshi Okoshi explained that micro plastics decompose, releasing quantities of greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change when they reach the upper part of the atmosphere and are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Micro plastics, defined as particles smaller than 5 millimeters, come from industrial waste, textiles, car tires or personal care products.

These tiny fragments are found in the Arctic ice mass, in the snow of the Pyrenees, and in living organisms in the four corners of the planet.

However, the way in which these particles are transported to these places is still relatively unknown, and there is only little research available on how they are transported into the atmosphere in particular.

There is also still insufficient data regarding the health effects of exposure to micro plastic particles, but studies are beginning to indicate a link to some diseases, in addition to their environmental consequences.

Related Articles
doolik website logo
The European Union’s current approach to AI policy lags far behind the aggressive pace set by Washington and Beijing. Just two weeks into the new Trump administration, an executive order dismantled Biden-era safety regulations and opened up federal land for data center expansion—an unmistakable signal of intent. Whether or not one supports Trump, the speed is undeniable.
doolik website logo
With 82% of young people turning to social media for health information, it is crucial for health professionals to combat misinformation by providing credible and engaging content tailored to this audience.
doolik website logo
One by one, Ukrainian villagers gathered, holding out their smartphones in hopes of catching a signal. A nearby Starlink terminal—a small, square panel pointed at the sky—was about to connect them to a satellite in low Earth orbit, allowing their voices to reach loved ones hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away.

Live Video Streaming
Live video streaming lets you engage with your audience in real time with a video feed. Broadcast your daily show to your audience with no limits, no buffering and high quality videos. Reach all devices anytime anywhere with different video qualities that suits any device and any connection.
$1,120/YE*
The website uses cookies to improve your experience. We’ll assume you’re ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.
ACCEPT