A new study has shown that the pollen season has both worsened and lengthened because of human-made climate change. Findings show that the pollen season is 20 days earlier and lasts up to 10 days longer compared to the 1990s. The amount of pollen also rose to 20.9%. Several factors such as changes in temperature, rainfall, frost days, and even carbon dioxide concentrations were monitored. The researchers found that the rise in average annual temperature was the main culprit.

The study’s findings are connected to Climate Central 2019’s research brief which found that global warming extends the freeze-free season, allowing plants more time to grow, flower, and produce pollen. William Anderegg, an assistant professor at The University of Utah and lead author of the study said that climate change is affecting the health of everyone. The study connects climate change to pollen, one of the primary causes of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory health problems.