ClimateTrue (@ClimateTrue)

Nanoplastics Conference at the European Parliament BRUSSELS, Belgium — February 24, 2026 — The European Parliament hosted an important international expert dialogue focused on the emerging issue of nanoplastics. The conference, “NANOPLASTICS: HIDDEN CONNECTIONS AND EMERGING RISKS,” provided a platform for discussing one of today’s most pressing challenges in the fields of environmental protection and public health. The event was held with the support of Ondřej Knotek, Member of the European Parliament, and in close cooperation with the ALLATRA Global Research Center. The primary objective of the conference was to draw attention to the growing threat posed by micro- and nanoplastics. These particles represent an invisible yet potentially hazardous form of pollution whose scale extends far beyond conventional environmental and public-health concerns. Micro- and nanoplastic particles have been detected in air, water, food chains, and the human body, creating a complex challenge for both public health and the integrity of ecosystems. Participants emphasized the importance of developing constructive solutions, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and expanding scientific research in this rapidly developing field. Particular attention was given to the reported level of invisible micro- and nanoplastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. According to data presented during the conference, the concentration of microplastics in the surface waters of the Mediterranean Sea is four times higher than that reported in the area of the so-called Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The conference brought together Ondřej Knotek, Member of the European Parliament, a member of the Patriots for Europe political group and organizer of the event; Pastor Mark Burns, head of the Spiritual Diplomats initiative and spiritual adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump; and Maryna Ovtsynova, President of the International Nonprofit Organization ALLATRA. In his opening remarks, Ondřej Knotek, a Member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic, emphasized that, in his view, climate policy should not focus exclusively on the rapid reduction of emissions. He stressed the importance of considering economic costs, broader consequences, and other factors that may affect climate stability and public health. “There are other factors that are also connected to climate stability, and these are being completely ignored,” he stated. Pastor Mark Burns (USA) described nanoplastics as an invisible threat that may already be affecting people's everyday lives around the world. He emphasized the moral and social importance of protecting human health and safeguarding the well-being of future generations. In his address, he stated: “The global initiative ‘Spiritual Diplomats,’ which I have the honor of leading, has recognized the issue of nanoplastics as one of the key areas of its work.” Pastor Burns further emphasized that the nanoplastics issue should not be viewed through the lens of political or religious divisions: “Nanoplastics are not a matter of left or right. This is neither a religious nor a secular issue. We believe it is our moral responsibility to protect human life and health and to raise this issue proactively, rather than waiting until the consequences become irreversible.” Maryna Ovtsynova, President of the International Nonprofit Organization ALLATRA (USA), presented the activities and findings of the ALLATRA Global Research Center’s expert and research work. In her address, she noted that representatives of the Research Center from the United States, Israel, Germany, and the Czech Republic were present at the conference, representing only part of a broader international scientific consortium that includes experts from leading research institutions worldwide. The conference was organized around four expert panels. Speakers presented research findings concerning the distribution of micro- and nanoplastics throughout the biosphere, their potential effects on human health and the environment, and their possible relationship with global natural processes. Particular attention was given to future research priorities and initial steps toward addressing the issue. The first expert panel focused on micro- and nanoplastics as a form of invisible pollution. Participants examined the reasons why plastic particles at the micro- and nanoscale may be considered a biological factor with potential implications for human health on a global scale...https://qr.ae/pFiJY5 #Nanoplastics #Microplastics #PlasticPollution #EnvironmentalScience #PublicHealth #HumanHealth #ClimateChange #OceanPollution #ScientificResearch #EnvironmentalHealth #Sustainability #ALLATRA