Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join us for this compelling episode of the Climate Emergency Forum, hosted by Herb Simmens, as we delve into the critical issue of plastics and their profound connection to the climate crisis.
This video was recorded on April 2nd, 2025, and published on April 13th, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
The discussion explores the pervasive harm caused by plastics—particularly microplastics—and their alarming impact on environmental health, human health, and food security. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1967 film *The Graduate*, Herb sets the stage for a thought-provoking conversation about the "great future" plastics promised and the devastating consequences they now pose.
Dr. Peter Carter highlights the catastrophic effects of microplastics on crop yields and photosynthesis—the foundation of life on Earth. He explains how microplastics inhibit plant growth at every stage, exacerbate food insecurity, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. Paul Beckwith expands on these points by discussing how microplastics disrupt ecosystems, penetrate human biology, and degrade vital carbon sinks like oceans. Both experts emphasize the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels and transition to biodegradable alternatives.
This episode calls for bold action to address the plastification of society and its dire implications for our planet's future. From advocating for policy changes to reimagining production processes and materials, our panelists stress the importance of systemic transformation. As always, we invite you to engage with us by liking, subscribing, sharing your thoughts in the comments, and supporting our work through donations at our website. Together, we can confront this global emergency head-on.
Links:
- Support our work at the Climate Emergency Forum
climateemergencyforum.org/donate.html
- Microplastics
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microplastics
- A global estimate of multiecosystem photosynthesis losses under microplastic pollution
pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2423957122
- Agricultural production statistics 2010–2023
fao.org/statistics/highlights-archive/highlights-detail/agricultural-production-statistics-2010-2023/en
- Double Trouble: plastics found to emit potent greenhouse gases
unep.org/news-and-stories/story/double-trouble-plastics-found-emit-potent-greenhouse-gases
- Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation
theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/microplastics-hinder-plant-photosynthesis-study-finds-threatening-millions-with-starvation
- Office of Technology Assessment
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_Technology_Assessment
- European Parliamentary Technology Assessment (EPTA) Network
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Parliamentary_Technology_Assessment
Regular Panelists:
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa's Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.
Video Production:
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Video production and website assistant, Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP26 team lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum; BA (Psychology); Climate Reality Leader
Our Website:
climateemergencyforum.org
Attributions:
Background Music:
- Title: Through the City II
- Author: Crowander
- Source: crowander.com
Image and Video: climateemergencyforum.org/assets/attributions/2025/2025-04-13-plastic-planet-climate-chaos.html
Join us for this compelling episode of the Climate Emergency Forum, hosted by Herb Simmens, as we delve into the critical issue of plastics and their profound connection to the climate crisis.
This video was recorded on April 2nd, 2025, and published on April 13th, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
The discussion explores the pervasive harm caused by plastics—particularly microplastics—and their alarming impact on environmental health, human health, and food security. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1967 film *The Graduate*, Herb sets the stage for a thought-provoking conversation about the "great future" plastics promised and the devastating consequences they now pose.
Dr. Peter Carter highlights the catastrophic effects of microplastics on crop yields and photosynthesis—the foundation of life on Earth. He explains how microplastics inhibit plant growth at every stage, exacerbate food insecurity, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. Paul Beckwith expands on these points by discussing how microplastics disrupt ecosystems, penetrate human biology, and degrade vital carbon sinks like oceans. Both experts emphasize the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels and transition to biodegradable alternatives.
This episode calls for bold action to address the plastification of society and its dire implications for our planet's future. From advocating for policy changes to reimagining production processes and materials, our panelists stress the importance of systemic transformation. As always, we invite you to engage with us by liking, subscribing, sharing your thoughts in the comments, and supporting our work through donations at our website. Together, we can confront this global emergency head-on.
Links:
- Support our work at the Climate Emergency Forum
climateemergencyforum.org/donate.html
- Microplastics
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microplastics
- A global estimate of multiecosystem photosynthesis losses under microplastic pollution
pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2423957122
- Agricultural production statistics 2010–2023
fao.org/statistics/highlights-archive/highlights-detail/agricultural-production-statistics-2010-2023/en
- Double Trouble: plastics found to emit potent greenhouse gases
unep.org/news-and-stories/story/double-trouble-plastics-found-emit-potent-greenhouse-gases
- Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation
theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/microplastics-hinder-plant-photosynthesis-study-finds-threatening-millions-with-starvation
- Office of Technology Assessment
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_Technology_Assessment
- European Parliamentary Technology Assessment (EPTA) Network
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Parliamentary_Technology_Assessment
Regular Panelists:
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa's Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.
Video Production:
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Video production and website assistant, Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP26 team lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum; BA (Psychology); Climate Reality Leader
Our Website:
climateemergencyforum.org
Attributions:
Background Music:
- Title: Through the City II
- Author: Crowander
- Source: crowander.com
Image and Video: climateemergencyforum.org/assets/attributions/2025/2025-04-13-plastic-planet-climate-chaos.html
