Climate change is exacerbating seasonal allergies, causing millions of Americans to suffer from sneezing, sniffles, and itchy eyes. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are driving plants to produce more pollen, while changing weather patterns allow it to overlap with other allergens.
Millions of Americans are bracing themselves for another brutal season of sneezing, sniffles, and itchy eyes – the hallmarks of ‘seasonal allergies.’ And it’s not just a nuisance; climate change is making these allergies worse, more frequent, and more severe.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, occur when the body's immune system overreacts to airborne particles such as pollen, dust, or mold.
These allergens trigger the release of histamine, leading to symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) , seasonal allergies affect over 8% of the US population.
Symptoms typically peak in spring and fall, with ragweed pollen being a common culprit.
The Science Behind Seasonal Allergies
Pollen, the main culprit behind seasonal allergies, is emerging earlier in the year, in higher concentrations, and lasting longer than ever before. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are driving plants to produce more pollen, while changing weather patterns are allowing it to overlap with other allergens like ragweed and mold spores.
The Human Toll
Seasonal allergies are not just a minor annoyance; they cost the economy billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, medications, and doctor’s visits. In fact, one study found that tree pollen allergies lead to 25,000 to 50,000 emergency room visits per year – two-thirds from people under the age of 18.
The Climate Connection
Climate change is making seasonal allergies worse by:
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperatures.
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
This leads to a trap of heat, causing temperatures to rise.
Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events are some of the effects of climate change.
According to NASA, 2020 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures rising by 1°C since pre-industrial times.
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Increasing plant growth and production
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Warmer winters and earlier springs leading to longer growing seasons
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Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
This means that some parts of the country, such as Texas, are on track to see pollen counts almost double by 2050 compared to 2000.
The Intersection with Air Pollution
Air pollution from ozone, particulates, sulfur, and nitrogen compounds can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Cities may not offer much refuge, with urbanization creating a more favorable habitat for plants like ragweed and higher concentrations of air pollutants.
Taking Action
While the situation seems dire, there are ways to contain the worst effects of seasonal allergies:
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Seeing an allergist and finding out specific triggers
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Taking medications like nose sprays or over-the-counter allergy drugs before pollen ramps up
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Paying attention to symptoms and seeing an allergist if they worsen
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Using HEPA air filters in living spaces
A Call to Action
Over the long term, it’s prudent to curb emissions of heat-trapping gases that worsen climate change and allergies. For now, take steps to protect yourself from pollen: pay attention to forecasts, avoid being outside during high pollen release times, and keep your environment clean.
Climate change mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing the severity of climate change by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and other human activities that contribute to global warming.
Strategies include transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, reforestation, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels requires reducing emissions by 45% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050.
By working together, we can reduce the impact of seasonal allergies and create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
- wired.com | Welcome to the Worst Allergy Season Ever
