Pollen season in UK and mainland Europe extended by climate breakdown
Summary
A new study shows that climate change has made the pollen season in the UK and Europe last one to two weeks longer since the 1990s, causing more allergy symptoms for millions of people. The report also highlights rising heat-related deaths, longer droughts, and the spread of diseases due to a warming planet.Key Facts
- The pollen season for birch, alder, and olive trees now starts 1-2 weeks earlier than it did in 1991-2000.
- Since 2024, birch and alder pollen levels have increased by 15-20% in parts of the UK, France, Germany, and eastern Europe.
- Invasive plants like common ragweed are spreading and may increase allergy problems across Europe.
- Heat-related deaths in Europe have increased by about 52 deaths per million people.
- Extreme heat warnings have become four times more common in recent years.
- The length of severe summer droughts has increased in 983 out of 1,435 European regions over the last decade.
- Governments spent €444 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, which is a rise compared to 2010.
- The report urges shifting funds from fossil fuels to clean energy and improving public health measures to adapt to climate change.
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