The Guardian view on microplastics: harmful pollution must be curbed | Editorial

New evidence of particles damaging crops strengthens the case for an international plastics treaty
New and concerning findings from environmental scientists about the impact of microplastics on crops and marine algae add to a growing body of evidence about the disruption caused to living systems by plastic pollution. The results, from a team led by Prof Huan Zhong at Nanjing University, China, are not definitive and require corroboration. But analysis showing that plastics could limit photosynthesis (the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy) must be taken seriously. If the researchers are correct, and staple crops are being reduced by about 12%, there are huge implications for global agriculture and food supplies. This could inject new urgency into efforts to tackle plastic pollution.
There is no single route by which microplastic particles inhibit plants from growing. The overall effect is attributed to a combination of blocked sunlight and nutrients, and damage to soil and cells. This can lead to reduced levels of chlorophyll – the pigment enabling photosynthesis. When the researchers modelled the crop losses caused by an effect of this size, they found Asia was hardest hit, potentially contributing to food insecurity and worsening hunger.
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Continue reading...-
Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation
Researchers say problem could increase number of people at risk of starvation by 400m in next two decades. The pollution of the planet by microplastics is significantly cutting food supplies by ...The Guardian - 6d -
Controlled-release fertilizers can spread microplastics on US cropland – study
Tiny bits of plastic can end up in water and soil at alarming levels, said lead author of University of Missouri paper. Fertilizers that shed microplastics are increasingly spreading on America’s ...The Guardian - 5d -
Microplastics may be stoking antibiotic resistance: Study
The microscopic shards of plastic found in every corner of the planet may be exacerbating antibiotic resistance, a new study has found. Bacteria exposed to these ubiquitous fragments, known as ...The Hill - 5d -
Plastic pollution leaves seabirds with brain damage similar to Alzheimer’s, study shows
Blood tests on migratory chicks fed plastics by their parents show neurodegeneration, as well as cell rupture and stomach lining decay. Ingesting plastic is leaving seabird chicks with brain damage ...The Guardian - 4d -
The Guardian view on Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague: a warning to rogue leaders | Editorial
The extradition of the former president of the Philippines on an ICC warrant is an affirmation of the principles of international justice. After his arrest on an international criminal court (ICC) ...The Guardian - 5d -
The UK fears environmental damage as ships burn after North Sea collision
British officials are concerned about environmental damage after a cargo ship carrying a toxic chemical hit a tanker transporting jet fuel off eastern EnglandABC News - 5d -
The Guardian view on US-Europe relations: Britain is coming to a fork in the road | Editorial
For now Keir Starmer can say there is a middle way, but Donald Trump will soon force Britain to pick a side. No country can avoid the economic impact of Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policy. ...The Guardian - 4d -
Trump administration to drop case against plant polluting Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’
Biden-era suit sought to curb emissions of the carcinogen chloroprene at Denka plant formerly owned by DuPont. The Donald Trump administration has formally agreed to drop a landmark environmental ...The Guardian - Mar. 8 -
The Guardian view on Trump and Ukraine: respite is possible, but resolution looks distant | Editorial
Will-they-won’t-they over a ceasefire does not change the underlying dynamics of US retreat from supporting Kyiv . A three-year conflict has taken bewildering, lurching turns in under a fortnight. ...The Guardian - 3d
More from The Guardian
-
North Macedonia mourns dead in nightclub fire as 15 people detained
Government declares seven-day period of mourning after fire in eastern town of Kočani kills at least 59. North Macedonia has declared a seven-day period of mourning after a fire in a nightclub ...The Guardian - 3h -
US says airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen will continue indefinitely
Strikes began on Saturday with the aim of punishing Iran-backed armed group for attacks on Red Sea shipping. US officials have said airstrikes launched against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis will ...The Guardian - 4h -
Trump and Putin expected to speak this week about ceasefire terms, envoy says
Steve Witkoff says US discussions with Russian president ‘positive’ and ‘solution-based’ and leaders likely to speak. Donald Trump ’s envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that he expected the US ...The Guardian - 6h -
Pope seen praying at hospital chapel in photo released by Vatican
Francis pictured for first time since he was admitted to hospital more than a month ago with pneumonia. The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis since the 88-year-old was ...The Guardian - 3h -
Netanyahu says he will seek to dismiss head of Israel’s internal security service
Prime minister's move against Shin Bet’s Ronen Bar will prompt further accusations of authoritarianism. Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will seek to dismiss the director of Shin Bet, Israel’s ...The Guardian - 3h
More in World
-
FirstFT: Xi Jinping declines invitation to visit Brussels for anniversary summit
Also in today’s newsletter, a wave of air strikes in Yemen and why some Japanese companies are restructuringFinancial Times - 1h -
Brilliant Mirra Andreeva sinks Aryna Sabalenka to win Indian Wells at 17
Teenager beats world No 1 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in final Russian climbs to career high ranking of No 6 Mirra Andreeva continued her incredible rise at the highest levels of professional tennis as the ...The Guardian - 1h -
Dan Burn’s odyssey grants Newcastle their own special slice of football history | Barney Ronay
The only locally born starting player for either side proved the catalyst on a day where classic cup final magic won out. Sometimes football just can’t help itself. Even now, in its glazed and ...The Guardian - 1h -
Body found in NSW bushland believed to be missing six-year-old girl
Body found in North Nowra area believed to be girl last seen on Sunday afternoon. Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news ...The Guardian - 1h -
Rasmus Højlund ends goal drought as Manchester United cruise past Leicester
Jamie Vardy rolled the ball into the Manchester United net to huge cheers and about 10 minutes later, amid swirling rain, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s name echoed around this stadium. The only problem for ...The Guardian - 1h