09/16/2026
How Plastics Fuel Greenhouse Gases, Global Warming, and Human Health Risks
Plastics contribute to global warming and health problems because greenhouse gas emissions are released at multiple stages of their life cycle starting with extracting and processing fossil fuels (like oil and natural gas) used to make plastic, continuing through energy-intensive manufacturing, and also during disposal when plastics are incinerated or leak into the environment and break down into harmful pollutants. When plastics are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other climate-warming gases, and when they degrade, they can create microplastics and toxic substances that may enter the air, water, and food systems. Over time, human exposure to microplastics and chemical additives from plastics has been linked to potential health risks such as inflammation, hormone disruption, and respiratory or digestive issues, while unsafe waste management can also contaminate drinking water and increase long-term disease risk. By reducing plastic use, choosing safer alternatives, and supporting better waste management and recycling, we can lower emissions and protect both the climate and human health.