Allergies are no joke. Climate change is making pollen seasons worse for many people. Dr. Neelima Tummala, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NYU Langone Health, hears from patients every year that their allergy symptoms seem to be intensifying. And they’re not imagining it.
In fact, about 25% of U.S. adults and 20% of children suffer from seasonal allergies. For these millions, spring isn’t just a season of blooming flowers; it’s a time of sniffles, itchy eyes, and even asthma attacks. While rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels worsen pollen counts, extreme weather events can make these symptoms even more severe.
Evidence shows that pollen seasons have become longer and harsher over the years. According to the USA National Phenology Network, spring has been arriving earlier across the country, impacting allergy sufferers significantly. AccuWeather’s meteorologists warn that we can expect high tree pollen levels in areas like the Ohio River Valley this spring and early spikes in grass pollen in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes.
But what does climate change mean for pollen? As winters become shorter and temperatures rise, trees start producing pollen much earlier. A 2021 study indicates that human-caused climate change is worsening pollen seasons. Data shows that between 1970 and 2025, the growing season in many U.S. cities has extended by an average of 21 days, with the Northwest and Southwest experiencing the most significant increases.
Moreover, increased carbon dioxide levels directly boost pollen production, potentially ramping it up by as much as 200% by the century’s end. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, a pediatric allergist at Montreal Children’s Hospital, has noted that his patients are experiencing stronger symptoms and that common treatments like antihistamines aren’t as effective as before.
One common allergen, ragweed, also thrives due to climate change. As winters get milder, ragweed can continue to flower longer into the fall, extending the discomfort for allergy sufferers. Even conditions like humidity, heat, and flooding can promote mold growth, adding another layer of complexity to seasonal allergies.
Pollen isn’t just a nuisance; it can cause serious health issues. A recent Texas study found that high pollen levels can lead to increased emergency department visits for asthma attacks. Allergies can cause sleep issues, sinus infections, and even lost days at work or school. Tummala explains that respiratory distress can be magnified by added stressors like wildfire smoke and air pollution, making allergy seasons even more challenging.
The connection between climate change and worsening allergies highlights an urgent need for action against global warming. Climate change is a problem we can work to solve, and it has wide-ranging impacts on health, including allergies. The rising pollen levels show just one way our changing climate affects daily life and health outcomes.
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allergies,climatechage,environemt
