Climate change and plastic pollution are deeply interconnected global challenges. Rising temperatures and increased moisture levels alter plastic properties, leading to more waste, microplastic generation, and the release of hazardous substances. This article explores how a warming climate exacerbates plastic pollution through various mechanisms. Global temperatures have risen by about 1°C since pre-industrial times, with a current rate of 0.2°C per decade. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, with extreme temperatures recorded in 2022 and 2023. A warmer climate accelerates polymer degradation, reducing the durability of plastics and increasing waste generation. Plastics, particularly those sensitive to temperature and moisture, experience reduced stiffness and increased creep, leading to more frequent failures and shorter service lives. Higher temperatures also increase the leaching of hazardous chemicals from plastics, posing risks to ecosystems and humans. The accelerated aging of plastics leads to the production of more toxic microplastics, which can have long-term environmental impacts. Additionally, a warmer climate increases the demand for plastics in various applications, including electrical appliances and infrastructure, further contributing to plastic pollution. The plastic industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, creating a self-reinforcing cycle between climate change and plastic pollution. This cycle highlights the need for a multi-dimensional strategy to address both issues, including global policy, technological innovation, improved waste management, and public engagement. Sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics and promoting circular economies, are essential to breaking this cycle and achieving a more sustainable future.Climate change and plastic pollution are deeply interconnected global challenges. Rising temperatures and increased moisture levels alter plastic properties, leading to more waste, microplastic generation, and the release of hazardous substances. This article explores how a warming climate exacerbates plastic pollution through various mechanisms. Global temperatures have risen by about 1°C since pre-industrial times, with a current rate of 0.2°C per decade. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, with extreme temperatures recorded in 2022 and 2023. A warmer climate accelerates polymer degradation, reducing the durability of plastics and increasing waste generation. Plastics, particularly those sensitive to temperature and moisture, experience reduced stiffness and increased creep, leading to more frequent failures and shorter service lives. Higher temperatures also increase the leaching of hazardous chemicals from plastics, posing risks to ecosystems and humans. The accelerated aging of plastics leads to the production of more toxic microplastics, which can have long-term environmental impacts. Additionally, a warmer climate increases the demand for plastics in various applications, including electrical appliances and infrastructure, further contributing to plastic pollution. The plastic industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, creating a self-reinforcing cycle between climate change and plastic pollution. This cycle highlights the need for a multi-dimensional strategy to address both issues, including global policy, technological innovation, improved waste management, and public engagement. Sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics and promoting circular economies, are essential to breaking this cycle and achieving a more sustainable future.