Climate change is having a devastating impact on people’s health, particularly those with hay fever. The number of cases of this common allergy is rising due to rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.
The culprit behind the surge in hay fever is not just ragweed, but also climate change. As temperatures rise, pollen levels are becoming more severe and prolonged. In some parts of Europe, ragweed has already infested several regions, with 13.5 million Europeans suffering from allergic reactions to it annually.
Ragweed is not alone; many other plants are adapting to the changing climate. A study found that from Iceland to Canada, locations in the northern hemisphere are seeing rises in cumulative pollen released by plants as they benefit from higher CO2 levels and warmer temperatures.
Climate change also brings pollution and increased risk of extreme weather events, which further exacerbate hay fever. Researchers say that new pollen from invasive species will play a significant role in this trend.
A message from Dr Beverly Adams-Groom, a researcher at the University of Worcester, is “we know that pollen levels haven’t changed all that much.” However, she notes that some areas are seeing changes, such as increased levels of birch pollen in central England, which have been linked to climate change.
The situation is complex and variable. Some studies suggest that pollen production will increase by 16-40% by the end of the century. Meanwhile, other regions may experience a decrease in pollen levels due to extreme heat or flooding.
Despite the challenges, experts say it’s not all doom and gloom. Dr Traidl-Hoffmann emphasizes that “climate change is impacting on our health, especially allergies… let’s take this as a chance and a challenge to do things better in the future.”
As the climate continues to evolve, it’s essential for us to be aware of its impact on our health and take steps to mitigate its effects.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/10/pollen-peril-how-heat-thunder-and-smog-are-creating-deadly-hay-fever-seasons-aoe