How Climate Change Intensifies Allergies: The Surprising Link Between Longer Exposure and Increased Pollen

Godewaersvelde has become a focal point for concerns about hay fever. Many people experience runny noses, itching eyes, and worsening asthma symptoms. Experts warn that allergies are on the rise due to climate change, which is lengthening pollen seasons. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has found that a changing climate affects how much pollen is produced and where it spreads.

As winters warm and spring arrives earlier, plants bloom sooner, extending the period during which pollen is prevalent. Research shows that air pollution increases people’s sensitivity to these allergens. Invasive species are also spreading, creating new allergy challenges. In developed countries, a growing number of people report allergy symptoms.

Statistics reveal the scale of the issue: about 25% of adults in Europe suffer from airborne allergies like severe asthma. Among children, the rate is higher, at around 30-40%. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, half of Europeans could be affected.

“We’re in crisis because allergies are exploding,” says Severine Fernandez, the president of the French Allergists’ Union. Traditional hay fever can now lead to asthma symptoms much quicker than in the past.

A 2023 WMO report illustrates several ways climate change impacts allergy sufferers. Increased carbon dioxide, mainly from fossil fuels, stimulates plant growth and pollen production. Additionally, air pollution irritates airways and stresses plants, which results in more allergenic pollen. Nicolas Visez, an aerobiologist at the University of Lille, notes that different plant species respond variably to factors like temperature, water availability, and CO2 levels. For instance, while birch trees struggle in hotter summers, ragweed, an invasive plant known for causing allergies, thrives.

A 2017 study predicted that ragweed allergies could more than double in Europe by 2041-2060 due to climate change. The number of people affected could increase from 33 million to 77 million, with more severe symptoms expected.

In response to this growing issue, initiatives like the “AutoPollen” program aim to provide real-time pollen data across Europe. In Switzerland, a partnership with MeteoSwiss helps patients align their allergy profiles with real-time allergen maps. France has implemented “pollinariums”—gardens featuring local allergenic plants—to help residents prepare for pollen release. As Salome Pasquet, a botanist involved in this initiative, points out, flowering is starting earlier because winters are milder now.

Countries are also exploring practical solutions to reduce allergy triggers. Japan plans to cut down certain cedar trees to limit pollen production. In Europe, authorities are considering the allegenic potential of both native and invasive plant species, opting for trees like maples and fruit trees that are less allergenic. The goal is to maintain biodiversity while avoiding large concentrations of highly allergenic species.

People like Simon Barthelemy, an architect near Paris, feel the impact directly. Simon’s allergy to birch trees has persisted over the years, causing severe discomfort that affects his daily life. “Antihistamines help, but if I skip them, my symptoms return,” he says. “It’s tiring, and it can keep me up at night.”

As we grapple with allergy issues, adapting to changing climates is crucial. Staying informed and proactive can help navigate this increasing challenge.

For further information, you can read about the WMO’s findings [here](https://www.wmo.int).

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CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, UN WMO, LONGER EXPOSURE, MORE POLLEN: CLIMATE CHANGE WORSENS ALLERGIES