The Once and Future Plastisphere

Explore the global plastisphere phenomenon in this 16-minute TEDx talk by Andre Felton. Delve into the creation of a novel biogeochemical cycle resulting from human-generated plastic production and its widespread impact on the planet. Learn about the post-World War II industrial boom in plastic production and its integration into every aspect of modern life. Discover how plastic waste is becoming a selective pressure on microbes worldwide and its potential effects on the global carbon budget and climate heat models. Gain insights into emerging innovative solutions that require holistic perspectives to address the plastisphere's challenges. Understand the importance of finding a balance as the plastisphere becomes a permanent part of our environment. Hear from Andre Felton, a PhD candidate at the University of Texas at San Antonio, who conducts research on biodiversity trends and microplastic pollution in ephemeral freshwater systems, and learn about his collaborative work on microplastics in hailstone formation and deposition.