Microplastics are harming photosynthesis in plants
This video is part of: Centre for Nature and Climate
Tiny pieces of plastic can reduce photosynthesis by up to 18%, says a new report. By interfering with light absorption, damaging the soils in which plants grow and inducing ‘oxidative stress’ in the plants. Reduced photosynthesis can hamper crops’ ability to grow and flourish and it could put 400 million more people at risk of starvation in the next 25 years, say the study’s authors, by reducing yields of staple crops and seafood.
Tiny pieces of plastic can reduce photosynthesis by up to 18%, says a new report. By interfering with light absorption, damaging the soils in which plants grow and inducing ‘oxidative stress’ in the plants. Reduced photosynthesis can hamper crops’ ability to grow and flourish and it could put 400 million more people at risk of starvation in the next 25 years, say the study’s authors, by reducing yields of staple crops and seafood.
Topics:
Nature and Biodiversity
Forum Stories newsletter
Bringing you weekly curated insights and analysis on the global issues that matter.
