Climate Change and Health: Allergies: Pollen and Poison Ivy

More days above freezing creates a longer growing season, which in turn means a longer allergy season. More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also means more pollen and stronger pollen for common airborne allergens like ragweed. 

Poison Ivy thrives in a climate changed world.  Plants grow faster, bigger and have more toxic oils with increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and higher temperatures.

Resources

Climate Matters

Pollen & Allergy Season

As warmer temperatures drive longer growing seasons across the U.S., and rising carbon dioxide levels increase pollen concentrations, conditions only worsen for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Climate Matters

2022 Spring Package

THIS IS NOT THE MOST RECENT VERSION AVAILABLE. Spring is in the air! Our spring package looks at local and national trends in average spring temperatures and spring days above normal since 1970.

Partnership Journalism

As temperatures rise, so do allergies

(with KOMU 8 in Columbia, MO.)

Climate Matters

Spring Coming Earlier (2020)

Our warming climate is causing spring to arrive earlier across most of the U.S. This is throwing off the timing of important natural events like migration and reproduction, as well as prolonging pest and allergy seasons.

Climate Matters

Your Changing Allergy Season

Allergy season is starting up, and climate change means more time for plants to grow and send out pollen.

Climate Matters

Hiking Hazards: Ticks and Poison Ivy

Poison ivy and the Lyme disease-carrying blacklegged tick may both pose more of a threat to public health now, as a result of climate change.

Climate Matters

Allergy Season: Earlier, Longer, and Worse

Climate change is bringing an earlier, longer growing season for plants—and making it worse for the millions of Americans that suffer from seasonal pollen and mold allergies.