New Arctic Coastlines Are Emerging as Glaciers Melt — What That Means for Our Planet

Geodiversity of new coastlines developed after retreat of Arctic marine-terminating glaciers.

Geodiversity of new coastlines developed after retreat of Arctic marine-terminating glaciers. a, Young delta system accumulated in the lagoon exposed by Recherchebreen, Svalbard. b, Rocky cliffs and morainic cliffs released from retreating Samarinbreen, Svalbard. c, Juvenile beach system in Brepollen supplied by glacial sediment dropping from remnants of ice cliffs. d, Erosion of a lateral moraine by calving waves from Eqip Sermia, Western Greenland, leading to extension of the spit system along the southern coast. Credit: b,c, Aleksandra Osika. Nature Climate Change (Nat. Clim. Chang.) ISSN 1758-6798 (online)


A Changing Arctic

Over 2,400 kilometers of new Arctic coastline have appeared in just 20 years.

That’s like adding a whole new stretch of shore equal to the length of the U.S. West Coast — all because of melting glaciers. As temperatures rise across the globe, nowhere is changing faster than the Arctic. In fact, the Arctic has warmed nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet in the past few decades.

And with that warming comes dramatic change: the disappearance of ice, the reshaping of coastlines, and the emergence of land that hasn’t seen the light of day for thousands of years.

Why Glaciers Matter

Let’s start with the basics. Some glaciers, called marine-terminating glaciers, end in the ocean instead of on land. These icy giants slowly move downhill and, when they meet the sea, they break off chunks of ice into the water — a process known as calving.

But as the planet gets warmer, these glaciers are shrinking. Warmer air and ocean water are causing them to melt and pull back from the coast. When they do, they uncover land that used to be buried under thick ice.

This retreat is happening all over the Northern Hemisphere — from Alaska to Greenland — and it’s changing what our maps look like.

What Happens When Glaciers Retreat?

When a glacier melts and retreats, it exposes new ground beneath it. That newly uncovered area often becomes coastline, especially when the glacier used to flow into the ocean.

These brand-new coastal areas are made of soft sediments like sand and gravel, or sometimes smooth, polished rock. Because this land has been hidden under ice for so long, it hasn’t had time to settle or stabilize. That means it can be quickly reshaped by wind, waves, and weather.

Scientists call these places “paraglacial coasts” — a term that simply means land newly exposed by melting glaciers. These coasts are among the most dynamic and fast-changing landscapes in the world.

Where Is This Happening?

Between 2000 and 2020, researchers tracked over 2,466 kilometers of new coastline created by glacier retreat.

Here’s where the biggest changes are:

  • Greenland: 66% of the new coastline came from here — over 1,600 km.

  • Northern Canada, Russia, and Svalbard: Each contributed around 9–10% of the new coastlines.

  • Alaska and Southern Arctic Canada: Though smaller in size, these areas had some of the most efficient coastline formation per glacier.

This isn’t just about flat beaches — new islands are also appearing. In fact, 35 new Arctic islands were identified between 2000 and 2020, most of them in Greenland.

Why This Matters to People and Nature

New coastlines might sound exciting — and they are — but they come with both risks and opportunities.

Risks

  • Tsunamis and landslides: Some new coasts are unstable and prone to large waves caused by landslides, falling icebergs, or glacier collapse. A tragic example happened in Greenland in 2017, when a tsunami destroyed homes and took lives.

  • Tourism safety: Melting glaciers change the landscape rapidly, affecting local communities and visitors who camp or sail near them.

Opportunities

  • New habitats: As glaciers melt, they make room for new ecosystems. Plants, animals, and even fish begin to move in and adapt to these fresh environments.

  • Natural resources: Some of the newly exposed land is rich in materials like sand and gravel, which could be valuable for local economies, especially in Greenland.

What’s Next?

Glaciers are expected to keep retreating as global temperatures rise. That means even more coastlines and islands will appear in the coming decades. But this change isn’t always predictable. Some glaciers move slowly, while others retreat in big bursts. And the way the land responds depends on things like the type of rock, the presence of permafrost (permanently frozen ground), and the local climate.

Scientists emphasize the importance of monitoring these new areas closely. Understanding how they’re forming — and how fast — helps us prepare for what’s ahead, from rising sea levels to new environmental challenges.

What You Can Do

Even if you’re far from the Arctic, there are still ways you can make a difference.

  • Read and share reliable information about changes happening in the Arctic and around the world.

  • Organizations and scientists are doing amazing work using satellite data and field studies. Supporting or sharing their findings helps spread awareness.

  • Advocate for climate action, including clean energy and reduced carbon emissions, to help slow ocean warming.

  • Vote for leaders and policies that take action on climate change.

  • Hold your local, state, and national elected officials accountable for taking climate action and protecting our water, air, and health.

Closing Thought

The Arctic is not a frozen, unchanging place — it’s alive, moving, and reacting to what we do. The more we understand these changes, the better we can care for our planet.


Source: Kavan, J., Szczypińska, M., Kochtitzky, W., Farquharson, L., Bendixen, M., & Strzelecki, M. C. (2025). New coasts emerging from the retreat of Northern Hemisphere marine-terminating glaciers in the twenty-first century. Nature Climate Change. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02282-5?error=cookies_not_supported&code=7999c3fc-517f-4c3a-8202-1dd867b0ff9d.

Warming Seas and Microplastics Are Harming Sardines—And Us

Infographic showing how feeding behavior and temperature affect plastic fibre ingestion in European sardines (Sardina pilchardus). Sardines that use filter-feeding ingest more plastic fibres, expel them faster, and have a lower condition index compared to particulate-feeding sardines. Warmer temperatures (19°C) increase plastic fibre ingestion and speed up intestinal transit time.


Feeding behavior and warming seas influence plastic fibre ingestion in sardines. Sardines that filter-feed ingest significantly more plastic fibres than those that eat larger particles (particulate-feeding). Warmer water temperatures (19°C) lead to faster digestion but also more plastic consumption. Filter-feeding sardines show lower health scores, highlighting the combined stress of microplastic pollution and climate change. (Source: Rodriguez-Romeu et al., 2024)


Sardines may be small, but they play a big role in the ocean—and on our dinner plates. These little fish are a key food source for larger marine animals like dolphins and tuna, and millions of people around the world eat them, too. They’re also packed with nutrients and are considered one of the most sustainable seafood choices out there.

But sardines are in trouble. In the Mediterranean Sea, their population has dropped sharply in recent decades. And scientists are discovering that two major forces—warming ocean temperatures and plastic pollution—are teaming up to make life even harder for these essential fish.

What’s harming sardines may be a warning sign for us all.

The Hidden Threat: Plastic Fibres in the Ocean

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that break down from larger items like bottles, bags, and packaging. But not all microplastics are the same. A specific type called plastic fibres is even more common in the ocean—and more likely to be eaten by fish.

Plastic fibres are tiny thread-like pieces that come from clothing, fishing gear, and other waste. They’re too small to see with the naked eye but can float in the water, where fish easily mistake them for food. In fact, up to 91% of microplastics in ocean water are fibres, making them the most common type of plastic pollution in the sea.

The Experiment: What Scientists Found

To better understand how sardines interact with plastic fibres, scientists designed a unique experiment. They took wild sardines and placed them in tanks that mimicked ocean conditions. The tanks contained a realistic amount of plastic fibres—five fibres per liter of water, similar to what’s found in polluted areas of the sea.

They fed the sardines in two different ways:

  • Particulate-feeding: Fish were given large food pellets, which they eat one by one.

  • Filter-feeding: Fish were given tiny particles, similar to how they naturally eat plankton by filtering water through their gills.

The scientists also tested two water temperatures:

  • 16°C, which reflects current Mediterranean conditions.

  • 19°C, which represents a possible future scenario as oceans warm due to climate change.

Startling Results: What Happened to the Sardines

The results were clear—and concerning.

Sardines that fed by filter-feeding accidentally ate about eight times more plastic fibres than those eating larger particles. On average:

  • Filter-feeders ingested 4.95 fibres per fish

  • Particulate-feeders ingested only 0.6 fibres per fish

Temperature also made a difference. At warmer temperatures (19°C):

  • Sardines expelled plastic fibres faster, likely due to faster digestion.

  • But they also ingested more plastic, probably because their metabolism increased and they needed more food.

Another discovery: Plastic fibres stayed in the sardines’ digestive system longer than real food. Half the food was gone in about 12–14 hours, but it took 23–25 hours to get rid of just half the plastic fibres.

The Health Impact on Sardines

Over the course of the experiment, filter-feeding sardines didn’t just eat more plastic—they also got weaker.

  • They lost more weight and had lower body condition scores compared to those eating larger particles.

  • Their stomachs were less full, which suggests they ate less food overall and didn’t get enough energy.

Interestingly, the plastic alone wasn’t what made them unhealthy. Instead, it was the combination of filter-feeding and warmer water that seemed to hurt them most. Warmer oceans can lead to smaller plankton, which makes filter-feeding more common—and that leads to more plastic being ingested.

Why This Matters for Climate and Human Health

The health of sardines isn’t just a fish problem—it’s an ocean problem and a human problem.

Here’s why this matters:

  • Warming oceans = smaller plankton

  • Smaller plankton = more filter-feeding by fish

  • More filter-feeding = more plastic consumed

If sardine populations continue to shrink:

  • Predators like tuna, dolphins, and seabirds could lose a key food source.

  • People who depend on sardines for protein or income may struggle.

  • Ocean ecosystems could become unbalanced.

These changes don’t happen in isolation. Climate change and plastic pollution often work together, creating stress that marine life—and people—may not be able to overcome.

What Can We Do?

The good news is that small changes on land can protect life in the sea. Here are a few steps anyone can take:

  • Choose clothes made from natural fibers (like cotton or wool). Washing synthetic clothes sheds plastic fibres into the water.

  • Reduce plastic packaging by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.

  • Support ocean cleanup efforts and organizations that study microplastics.

  • Advocate for climate action, including clean energy and reduced carbon emissions, to help slow ocean warming.

  • Hold your local, state, and national elected officials accountable for taking climate action and protecting our water, air, and health.

A Call to Protect What Connects Us All

Sardines may not get much attention, but they’re part of a delicate chain that connects us all. When small creatures suffer, the effects can ripple through the food web—and onto our plates.

The choices we make on land ripple into the sea—and into our future.

By staying informed, reducing plastic use, and supporting climate action, we can help protect the ocean, our food systems, and the health of generations to come.


Source: Rodriguez-Romeu, O., Constenla, M., Soler-Membrives, A., Dutto, G., Saraux, C., & Schull, Q. (2024). Sardines in hot water: Unravelling plastic fibre ingestion and feeding behaviour effects. Environmental Pollution, 363, 125035. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0269749124017500

Microplastics in Our Brains

A minimalist illustration of a human head in profile with a vintage-style anatomical drawing of a brain superimposed inside.
A conceptual illustration depicting human cognition, featuring a vintage anatomical drawing of a brain within a simple silhouette of a head.

What You Need to Know and How to Reduce Your Exposure

Did you know that tiny plastic particles—called microplastics—are in our food, water, and even the air we breathe? Every day, we are unknowingly consuming and inhaling microplastics. Scientists have now discovered something even more concerning: microplastics are making their way into human brains, and their levels are increasing.

This raises an important question: What does this mean for our health, and what can we do about it? While we may not be able to eliminate microplastics entirely, there are simple steps we can take to reduce our exposure and protect our health. In this article, we’ll break down what microplastics are, how they enter our bodies, the potential health risks, and practical ways to reduce our exposure.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, smaller than 5mm, that come from broken-down plastic waste, synthetic clothing, industrial processes, and food packaging. Because plastic never fully biodegrades, these particles remain in the environment indefinitely, breaking down into even smaller pieces over time.

Common Sources of Microplastics

Microplastics are found in everyday items, including:

  • Bottled water: Contains significantly more microplastics than tap water.

  • Seafood: Marine animals ingest microplastics from polluted oceans.

  • Processed foods: Particularly those packaged in plastic.

  • Tea bags: Some brands use plastic-based tea bags that release billions of plastic particles into hot water.

  • Air: Microplastics are floating around in household dust and city pollution.

Since we eat, drink, and breathe microplastics daily, it’s important to understand how they enter our bodies and what harm they may cause.

How Do Microplastics Get into the Human Body?

Microplastics make their way into our bodies through three primary routes:

Eating and Drinking

  • Bottled water drinkers ingest up to 90,000 microplastic particles per year, compared to 4,000 for tap water drinkers (Cox et al., 2019).

  • Seafood, processed foods, and canned goods can contain microplastics due to contamination during production and packaging.

  • Heating food in plastic containers releases billions of plastic particles into the food.

Breathing

Airborne microplastics are present in the air we breathe at home, in offices, and outdoors, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, synthetic clothing sheds plastic fibers into the air when it is washed or worn, further contributing to the inhalation of these particles.

Household Exposure

Cooking and storing food in plastic can cause microplastics to leach into the food we eat. Similarly, plastic tea bags and coffee pods release billions of tiny plastic particles into hot liquids, increasing overall exposure.

Because these tiny particles are everywhere, scientists are now studying how they affect our health—especially our brains.

Are Microplastics Harmful to Our Health?

While research is still ongoing, several studies have raised serious concerns about microplastics in the human body. Here’s what scientists have found so far:

Microplastics in the Brain

A recent study found microplastics in human brain tissue, with levels 3–5 times higher in people with dementia (Nihart et al., 2025). Scientists are unsure whether dementia weakens the brain’s defense, allowing more plastic in, or if microplastics contribute to cognitive decline.

Heart Disease Risk

A study found that people with plastic particles in their arteries had a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes (Marfella et al., 2024).

Gut Health Concerns

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had 1.5 times more microplastics in their stool compared to healthy individuals (Yan et al., 2022). Microplastics may disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation.

Other Potential Effects

Scientists suspect microplastics may also contribute to:

  • Hormone disruption: some plastics contain chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system.

  • Lung irritation: from inhaling airborne microplastics.

  • Long-term health risks: still being studied.

Since avoiding microplastics completely is impossible, the next best step is reducing exposure where we can.

Easy Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

While plastic is everywhere, simple daily changes can significantly lower the amount of microplastics we ingest and inhale.

  • Switch to Tap Water: Drinking tap water instead of bottled water can reduce microplastic intake by over 90%. Use a water filter if concerned about contaminants.

  • Avoid Heating Food in Plastic: Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic. Never microwave food in plastic containers.

  • Choose Fresh or Frozen Foods Over Canned: Canned foods can release chemicals like BPA, which is linked to hormone disruption. Opt for fresh, frozen, or glass-packaged alternatives.

  • Use Cloth or Metal Tea Strainers: Avoid plastic tea bags—opt for loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser.

  • Improve Air Quality: Use a HEPA air filter at home to remove airborne microplastics. Vacuum regularly to reduce plastic dust indoors.

These small changes can make a big difference in reducing everyday exposure.

Can Microplastics Be Removed from the Body?

Right now, scientists don’t know if microplastics can be fully removed from the human body, but some early research suggests:

  • Sweating may help: Some studies suggest that sweating (through exercise or sauna use) can help excrete plastic-related chemicals like BPA.

  • Healthy lifestyle choices: Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and regular exercise may help the body naturally eliminate toxins.

  • Long-term exposure reduction: The best strategy is reducing intake in the first place.

More research is needed, but reducing microplastic exposure now is the safest approach.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Microplastics are everywhere, and while we can’t avoid them completely, we can take practical steps to limit exposure and protect our health. By making the choices we suggested above, you can help protect your health while also reducing plastic pollution in the environment.

It’s crucial to hold local, state, and national elected officials accountable for policies that protect your health and the well-being of your loved ones. Be mindful of who you vote for, and once they are in office, advocate for strong regulations that reduce plastic pollution and safeguard public health. Your voice matters—demand action.


Sources: Nihart et al., 2025 – Study on microplastics in the human brain (Nature Medicine). Marfella et al., 2024 – Microplastics and heart disease (New England Journal of Medicine). Cox et al., 2019 – Microplastic consumption (Environmental Science & Technology).