Microplastics in the atmosphere may be altering weather and climate by facilitating ice formation in clouds. Penn State research suggests these particles could impact precipitation and climate patterns,

Scientists have spotted microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters, in some of the most pristine environments on Earth, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to the snow on Mt. Everest to the mountaintop clouds of China and Japan.

Microplastics can act as ice nucleating particles, potentially altering cloud formation, precipitation, and even global climate patterns.

Scientists are finding microplastics not only in oceans and human bodies but also in the clouds, posing possible new problems for the increase in global warming. Douglas McIntyre discusses the latest findings that reveal microplastics are now present in cloud formations,

"Microplastics can affect precipitation patterns, weather forecasting, climate modeling, and even aircraft safety".

Clouds affect Earth’s weather and climate in many ways. New research suggests that the presence of microplastic particles may affect weather and climate by producing clouds in conditions where they would not form otherwise.