• A new study suggests that microplastic pollution is reducing plants’ ability to photosynthesize, potentially impacting global food production. Researchers estimate that up to 14% of staple crops like wheat, rice and maize may be lost and also forecast a 7% decline in seafood production.
• The study projects that microplastic-related food losses could put an additional 400 million people at risk of hunger over the next two decades.
• These findings come as world leaders prepare to resume negotiations this summer on a United Nations treaty to address plastic pollution.

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A recent study suggests that microplastic pollution may significantly affect global food production by reducing plants’ ability to photosynthesize. Researchers warn that if pollution levels continue to rise, food security challenges could intensify.

“These findings underscore the urgency for effective plastic mitigation strategies and provide insights for international researchers and policymakers to safeguard global food supplies in the face of the growing plastic crisis,” the study’s authors said.

What are the potential impacts of this microplastics problem?

The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It estimated that up to 14% of staple crops—including wheat, rice, and maize—may be lost due to microplastic contamination.

Beyond agriculture, the data also indicates that marine ecosystems may also be affected. The study estimated a 7% drop in fish and seafood production linked to microplastic exposure.

The findings project that microplastic-related food losses could put an additional 400 million people at risk of hunger over the next two decades, a nearly 60% increase from 2022 estimates. Researchers analyzed data from over 150 previous studies and used machine-learning models to estimate these impacts on food production.

Microplastics can hinder plant growth by degrading soil quality, blocking sunlight and introducing toxic chemicals. Scientists have found these particles worldwide, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest depths of the ocean. According to the study, Asia is experiencing the most significant crop losses. Wheat in Europe and maize in the United States are also being affected.

How accurate are these findings?

Some experts, however, caution that while the study provides important insights, further research is needed to refine its estimates and confirm the findings. They have raised concerns regarding the quality of existing data. Some have called for more extensive observations to strengthen the conclusions.

“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,” Richard Lampitt, a senior research scientist at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre said.

What happens next?

The study’s release comes as world leaders prepare to resume negotiations in August on a United Nations treaty to address plastic pollution, following stalled discussions in December. Researchers emphasize that microplastics should be a key focus in global efforts to combat environmental and food security challenges.