Microplastics Exacerbate Warming, Scholars Call for Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
New research shows airborne microplastics contribute to global warming. Taiwanese experts advocate shifting microplastic policies from 'waste management' to 'climate and air pollution governance,' urging a reduction in single-use plastics.
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- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 14:09
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chang Hsiung-feng, Taipei, May 5th) Latest research indicates that airborne microplastics contribute to global warming. Scholars believe that in Taiwan, microplastics primarily originate from the use of plastic products and clothing. They argue that plastic management should transform from mere 'waste management' to 'climate and air pollution governance,' emphasizing the reduction of single-use plastics.
According to the latest study published in the international journal 'Nature Climate Change,' titled 'Atmospheric warming contributions from airborne microplastics and nanoplastics,' airborne microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are for the first time identified as previously unrecognized climate warming drivers.
The Taiwan Science Media Center invited scholars and experts to provide their perspectives on this research.
Dr. Lee Chung-te, Honorary Professor at National Central University's Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, explained that this study reveals how microplastics and nanoplastics directly affect the absorption and reflection of solar radiation reaching Earth, known as direct radiation forcing (DRF), thereby having a noticeable impact on climate change. Previously, discussions on this topic were very rare.
Professor Lee further explained that the study points out that the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics is only 16.2% of that of black carbon. This means that in most parts of the world, the impact of black carbon is still greater than that of microplastics and nanoplastics, and only in specific geographical areas will the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics significantly exceed black carbon.
Professor Lee added that the concentration of black carbon mostly comes from biomass burning and emissions from old diesel vehicles. In recent years, Taiwan has worked to crack down on open biomass burning and emissions from old diesel vehicles, leading to a year-on-year decrease in black carbon concentrations. However, microplastics mainly come from the use of plastic products and clothing, an area that has not yet been regulated. It is worthwhile for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs to formulate effective countermeasures to reduce microplastic emissions at the source.
Associate Professor Hsu Rui-feng of National Taiwan Ocean University's Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology stated that the practical implication of this research for Taiwan's plastic governance is that policy should be elevated from waste management to climate and air pollution governance.
Professor Hsu pointed out that priority control sources include plastic burning, recycling and shredding processes, tire wear, textile fiber shedding, and port activities. He suggests integrating plastic reduction with carbon emission reduction strategies, such as reducing single-use plastics (e.g., plastic straws, beverage cups, shopping bags, and disposable tableware), and strengthening product design and recycling to simultaneously reduce pollution input and climate change. (Editor: Lee Heng-shan) 1150505
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(Central News Agency reporter Chang Hsiung-feng, Taipei, May 5th) Latest research indicates that airborne microplastics contribute to global warming. Scholars believe that in Taiwan, microplastics primarily originate from the use of plastic products and clothing. They argue that plastic management should transform from mere 'waste management' to 'climate and air pollution governance,' emphasizing the reduction of single-use plastics.
According to the latest study published in the international journal 'Nature Climate Change,' titled 'Atmospheric warming contributions from airborne microplastics and nanoplastics,' airborne microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are for the first time identified as previously unrecognized climate warming drivers.
The Taiwan Science Media Center invited scholars and experts to provide their perspectives on this research.
Dr. Lee Chung-te, Honorary Professor at National Central University's Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, explained that this study reveals how microplastics and nanoplastics directly affect the absorption and reflection of solar radiation reaching Earth, known as direct radiation forcing (DRF), thereby having a noticeable impact on climate change. Previously, discussions on this topic were very rare.
Professor Lee further explained that the study points out that the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics is only 16.2% of that of black carbon. This means that in most parts of the world, the impact of black carbon is still greater than that of microplastics and nanoplastics, and only in specific geographical areas will the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics significantly exceed black carbon.
Professor Lee added that the concentration of black carbon mostly comes from biomass burning and emissions from old diesel vehicles. In recent years, Taiwan has worked to crack down on open biomass burning and emissions from old diesel vehicles, leading to a year-on-year decrease in black carbon concentrations. However, microplastics mainly come from the use of plastic products and clothing, an area that has not yet been regulated. It is worthwhile for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs to formulate effective countermeasures to reduce microplastic emissions at the source.
Associate Professor Hsu Rui-feng of National Taiwan Ocean University's Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology stated that the practical implication of this research for Taiwan's plastic governance is that policy should be elevated from waste management to climate and air pollution governance.
Professor Hsu pointed out that priority control sources include plastic burning, recycling and shredding processes, tire wear, textile fiber shedding, and port activities. He suggests integrating plastic reduction with carbon emission reduction strategies, such as reducing single-use plastics (e.g., plastic straws, beverage cups, shopping bags, and disposable tableware), and strengthening product design and recycling to simultaneously reduce pollution input and climate change. (Editor: Lee Heng-shan) 1150505
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you give is a power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.