Microplastics pose a significant threat to global food security as they infiltrate ecosystems and hinder essential biological processes, a new study reveals. With the world’s population projected to reach 10 billion by 2058, the challenge of producing sufficient and sustainable food intensifies. Researchers have now highlighted how microplastics disrupt photosynthesis in both terrestrial plants and marine algae, potentially exacerbating global hunger crises. This development comes at a time when approximately 700 million people were already affected by hunger in 2022.
The study, which analyzed over 3,000 observations across 157 studies, found that microplastics coat algae in oceans and reduce their photosynthesis efficiency by approximately 7%. This disruption in marine ecosystems contributes to an estimated annual loss of 1 million to 24 million tonnes of fish and seafood, accounting for about 7% of the total production. On land, microplastics decrease the photosynthesis of terrestrial plants by about 12%, leading to significant crop losses, particularly in Asia, where reductions range from 54 million to 177 million tonnes per year.
“Humanity has been striving to increase food production to feed an ever-growing population [but] these ongoing efforts are now being jeopardised by plastic pollution,” – Prof Huan Zhong
The implications of these findings are profound. The research suggests that microplastic pollution could potentially place an additional 400 million people at risk of starvation within the next two decades. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution to safeguard global food supplies. The annual crop losses due to microplastics are comparable to those caused by the climate crisis in recent decades, highlighting the critical need for action.
“The findings underscore the urgency [of cutting pollution] to safeguard global food supplies in the face of the growing plastic crisis.” – Prof Huan Zhong
Microplastics have permeated every corner of the planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans, stressing the pervasive nature of this pollutant. Despite the mounting evidence and urgent calls for action, global efforts to curb plastic pollution have faced setbacks. In December, nations failed to reach an agreement on a United Nations treaty aimed at addressing this issue. However, discussions are set to resume in August, offering a renewed opportunity for international cooperation.
“While the predictions may be refined as new data become available, it is clear … that we need to start towards solutions. Ensuring the treaty addresses microplastic pollution is of key importance,” – Prof Richard Thompson
Some experts caution that while the study is valuable, further research is necessary to solidify these predictions. Prof Denis Murphy emphasized the need for robust research before accepting certain headline figures, while Prof Richard Lampitt expressed concerns about the quality of some original data used in the model.
“This analysis is valuable and timely in reminding us of the potential dangers of microplastic pollution and the urgency of addressing the issue, [but] some of the major headline figures require more research before they can be accepted as robust predictions.” – Prof Denis Murphy
“I have considerable concerns about the quality of the original data used by the model and this has led to overspeculation about the effects of plastic contamination on food supplies,” – Prof Richard Lampitt