A Warming Climate Leads to More Pollen and Worse Allergies [Video]

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The first leaves and blooms of spring are arriving days to weeks early in the large parts of the southern and central U.S., according to the USA National Phenology Network.

Earlier springs, longer pollen seasons, and worse seasonal allergies are all linked to our warming climate.

Carbon pollution (primarily from burning coal, oil, and natural gas) traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to spring warming trends across the U.S.

Warmer, earlier spring means a longer growing season — giving plants more time to grow and release allergy-inducing pollen earlier in spring and later into fall.

Higher levels of CO2 in the air can also boost pollen production in plants, particularly in grasses and ragweed. With continued high rates of CO2 pollution, the U.S. could face up to a 200% increase …