mining VBID’sExamining Examining Man-made climate change is creating pollen seasons that start earlier in the year and last longer and are partly to blame for the increased number of pollen concentrations, according to a new study from university researchers.
Although the paper did not directly examine health effects, the authors, from the University of Utah, University of California, Rutgers University, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Kean University, Boston University, and Columbia University, said they are “taking view of that climate- spring and / or annual pollen integrator-led changes would have a significant impact for the spatial and temporal patterns of allergy and the frequency of asthma and associated medical costs. “
The paper, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they observed pollen movements at a continental level and introduced specimens of 22 climate models. Less, previous studies have found that an increase in temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide can increase pollen production or worsen pollen seasons. This study looked at the issue to a greater extent and sought to quantify the impact of climate change.
The researchers analyzed data from 60 pollen stations (mostly in the United States, 2 in Canada) from 1990 to 2018. Combining that information with observational climate datasets as well as the climate simulations, they aimed to answer 3 questions: what are long-term thermal pollen movements? What is the role of temperature change, precipitation and carbon dioxide rise in these metrics? How much human-induced climate change can be brought about?
The stations, maintained by the National Allergy Bureau, collect pollen and mold samples. The statistically significant results showed that the pollen season in North America, compared with 1990:
- Lasts 10 days longer
- Starting 20 days earlier
- Pollen density is 21% higher
- Significantly affecting Texas and the Midwest
- Increasing the maximum pollen of a tree
The length of the pollen season, as well as increased pollen density, is more closely linked to global warming. Human-led climate change accounted for about 50% of the pollen season change and about 8% of the increase in pollen density.
In addition, the total study period was divided into 1990–2003 and 2003–2018, and the researchers found that the contribution of climate change contributed to a more rapid increase in pollen volumes in the most recent period.
Scientists have been warning about the impact of climate on health for years. Air pollution is known for respiratory diseases such as asthma, asthma, and others. It has also been linked to lung diseases, especially in young children.
Last month, 4 cardiovascular groups issued a joint statement calling for action to mitigate the health effects of air pollution. In one of his first acts after taking office, President Joe Biden signed action orders announcing far-reaching reforms to the climate policies of the previous administration, taking its revert to the Paris climate agreement, dismantle the Keystone XL pipeline, suspend oil and gas leases on federal territory, and add an office dedicated to climate change health to HHS.
Asthma and allergies are one of the leading causes of illness and health care use, the researchers noted.
“The strong link between warmer weather and pollen seasons provides a clear example of how climate change is affecting the health of people across the US,” said William Anderegg, PhD, lead author and associate professor at the School Utah University of Biological Sciences, they said in a statement.
The research was funded by the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the National Science Foundation. and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Information
Anderegga WRL, Abatzogloub JT, Andereggc LDL, Bielorye L, Kinney PL, Ziskaim L. Anthropogenic climate change is exacerbated in North American pollen seasons. Proc Natl Acad Sci US A. Published online February 8, 2021. doi: 10.1073 / pnas.2013284118