Study finds microplastics enhance cloud formation and may impact climate

A new study shows that microplastics can help form ice crystals in clouds at warmer temperatures than previously thought. This could change how clouds behave, potentially affecting weather and climate patterns. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles found in various environments, can serve as surfaces for ice to form. This process, called nucleation, is crucial for precipitation. The study found that microplastics can cause ice to form at temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius warmer than without them. Further research is needed to determine the concentration of microplastics in the atmosphere and their impact compared to other particles. Understanding these factors will help clarify how microplastics influence cloud formation and climate.