Steel Production Contributes to Global Warming

A new study led by Duke University Professor of Earth Sciences Drew Shindell suggests airborne colored micro and nanoplastics may contribute to global warming by absorbing sunlight. The research indicates these particles affect both water systems and the climate. The study was reported by Jim Krasula. Researchers led by Hongbo Fu found that colored micro- and nanoplastic particles absorb significantly more sunlight than colorless particles. The team conducted laboratory experiments to observe how these particles behave in sunlight. These measurements were combined with atmospheric simulation data to estimate global warming contributions. Scientists have detected microplastics in various human biological samples, including blood, saliva, brain, testicles, placenta, and breast milk. Environmentally, microplastics have been found in the Mariana Trench and in clouds above Mount Fuji. Michigan researchers, after collecting and analyzing air samples, reported being shocked by the high microplastic counts discovered. Global steel production continues to significantly contribute to atmospheric warming, according to an NGO report cited by Le Monde.