Spring has sprung early, and thanks to climate change, it’s excruciating.
Though the spring season isn’t supposed to officially begin for another few weeks, the worst parts of it have already made themselves known since late last month. Allergy season has arrived even earlier than usual, and according to new climate reports, it will be even longer and more severe than previous ones.
“The plants can grow earlier and they can pollinate earlier. Allergies are just getting worse and worse”, Dr. Kari Nadeau, chair of environmental health and professor of climate and population studies at Harvard School of Public Health, told ABC News.
“This is a major problem, and it will only get worse if we do not limit climate change and limit carbon dioxide production from greenhouse gases”, Nadeau added.
Due to rising temperatures brought about by global climate change, plants are beginning their yearly growing process progressively earlier. With a longer growing season comes greater pollination, and with greater pollination comes longer, more severe allergy seasons.
“It’s a nonstop onslaught of pollen in the air and the duration the levels of pollen that we’re seeing are higher than ever before”, Dr. David Stukus, pediatric allergist and immunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, told ABC.
Health experts recommend those who suffer from pollen allergies to monitor the daily allergy index for their city, and to remain indoors with the windows closed on days with severe pollen warnings. It is also advised to bathe after spending extended time outdoors to keep the pollen from circulating in your home.
