But plastic’s effects on nature doesn’t stop there ― it’s also making climate change worse. The study authors warn that, if demand for plastics continues to rise, the material’s contribution to climate change will grow significantly. This year, emissions from plastics will equal the pollution output of nearly 200 coal-fired power plants with a 500-megawatt capacity, the report finds. The authors estimate that emissions from plastic will reach the equivalent of nearly 300 coal plants in 2030 and over 600 in 2050. United Nations scientists predict that warming beyond that point would result in catastrophic climate change.

Source: Huffington Post May 17, 2019 02:37 UTC