In recent years, we have witnessed increasingly longer and warmer summers. We might even have the impression that the seasons are merging, to the point that, especially in the Mediterranean region, the term "seasonal" has been coined. summerThis phenomenon may please those who do not enjoy winter, but on the other hand, is causing numerous inconveniences to those who suffer from allergies.
The mild climate experienced over a longer period allows plants to flower for longer, which in turn results in greater dispersal of pollen through the air. Some of that pollen inevitably reaches our nasal passages, and some people are very sensitive to it. The most disconcerting thing is that, given the global warming, Allergies will continue to increase in number and severity and the risk of immune-mediated diseases could be increased. This is observed in the context of the impact of climate change on allergies.
However, rising temperatures are not the only factor causing this situation. Drought and air pollution are equally significant problems. The Dr. Ángel Moral, president of the Aerobiology Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) and allergist at the Toledo Hospital Complex, emphasizes that "There is a direct relationship between environmental pollution and the increase in cases of respiratory allergies.Particles emitted by diesel engine combustion and heating create a hostile environment for plants, which, when threatened, produce proteins that make pollen more aggressive.
Rising temperatures also prolong pollination periods, so rhinitis is no longer seasonal. This is further aggravated by decreased rainfall, which leads to the disappearance of more vulnerable plant species, leaving room only for the most resistant ones, responsible for the production of allergies, such as salsola, a very common weed in ditches and fields. The need to implement measures to address vulnerability becomes more and more evident.
Impact of climate change on allergies
El climate change has become a significant factor in the accelerated increase in allergies worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, half of the global population could be affected by at least one type of allergy or asthma, due to numerous variables linked to the global warming, which includes not only rising temperatures, but also pollution and biodiversity loss. This can be correlated with studies on the adaptation of plants to climate change.
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to foreign substances called allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. The increase in pollen concentration in the air, resulting from climatic phenomena, increases the risk of sensitization and allergy in predisposed individuals. It is estimated that, by 2100, the amount of pollen generated during flowering seasons could increase by 40%This pollen growth is directly related to the effects of climate change in Europe.
Allergies are on the rise, especially among children, and are considered to be a consequence of several factors such as polluted air, poor nutrition, and improper administration of medications. Sources of atmospheric pollution, both from industry and vehicular traffic in urban areas, are also identified as a significant risk for allergy sufferers. If you're interested in more information, you can check out the article on Climate change and its effects in Catalonia.
Statistics and studies on allergies
Studies carried out, such as the one at Harvard, have confirmed that the climate change is causing a increase in immune-mediated diseases such as asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. Researchers have indicated that climatic stressors impact the human exposome (the sum of environmental exposures throughout a lifetime), altering our immune system. This topic relates to the impact of climate change on the health of pregnant women.
The relationship between urban lifestyle, with constant exposure to different chemical agents and the loss of biodiversity, has also been identified as a determinant of the increase in allergies in the global population. Exposure to pollutants in the air, water, and food can cause damage to the body's protective barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes. This damage increases the penetration of allergens and microbes, leading to an increase in proinflammatory reactions. Thus, allergies and asthma are increasingly linked to these problems, making the need for treatment even more urgent. need for an analysis of global warming and its impact.
Climatic factors that exacerbate allergies
The WHO has expressed concern about the dangers of global warming, emphasizing its potential to weaken the immune system and cause deaths each year. In fact, Spain is one of the three European countries with the highest number of heat-related deaths.The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average temperature rising by 1.45 ° C above pre-industrial levels. This has resulted in a higher average temperature increase on the European continent, where phenomena such as snow in spring or heat in winter are becoming increasingly common. To better understand their impact, it is useful to examine how Cities could disappear due to global warming.
People with allergic rhinitis or hay fever are the most affected by the disruption of environmental cycles. The high increase in pollen counts, driven by high levels of CO2, along with the advancement and extension of the flowering period due to rising temperatures, increases seasonal allergenicity. Increasingly, the amount of pollen in the air can influence the appearance of symptoms of respiratory diseases, which reflects the importance of understanding changes in the ecosystem due to global warming.
Measures to mitigate the impact of allergies
There are several ways to mitigate the impact of increasing allergies. Some of these include:
- Plant trees that do not cause allergies: Appropriate selection of tree species when designing urban green spaces can help reduce the prevalence of pollen allergies.
- Restrict traffic: Reducing air pollution by controlling traffic is essential to reducing allergic reactions. This impact is related to new fuel investment policies.
- Implement public health policies: It is vital that governments implement policies and programs that address environmental health and reduce polluting emissions, as discussed in the need for create tools to detect climate change.
Collaboration between citizens, local authorities and public health experts is essential to create an environment that promotes a healthier and more disease-free environment. allergensIf you want to know more about pollen in the air, you can consult the different types of pollen.
The role of technology and information
Technology plays a crucial role in allergy management. Using mobile apps and online platforms that collect data on air quality and pollen counts can help allergy sufferers avoid exposure to allergens. This is especially useful in the context of climate change.
Creating pollen alerts and forecasts that are continuously updated is very helpful for those who suffer from allergic reactions. In addition, promoting circular economy In cities, extending the useful life of products that may be polluting also contributes to improving air quality, which is related to investment in green infrastructure.
From the scientific and medical community, further research is needed to better understand how climate affects health, particularly allergies. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of different environmental factors on human health and seek effective solutions to address these problems, such as those outlined in natural laboratories in Spain.
Aspects to consider for public health
Climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but also a health emergencyAccording to recent surveys, a high majority of the European population considers climate change to be a serious problem and is willing to take measures to reduce their ecological footprint. Public health must be a priority as the consequences of climate change are addressed, as seen in the need to addressing extreme events.
Shared responsibility is essential: citizens must be informed about environmental conditions and the risks associated with allergies, but it is also vital that governments and health institutions take action to effectively address this problem. Interventions must be supported by scientific data and continuous monitoring of environmental conditions.
The creation of sustainable green spaces and the promotion of biodiversity are some of the strategies that can be implemented to improve public health and, in turn, minimize the impact of allergies. The role of plant species used in urban planning should be considered to contribute to creating healthier environments, especially in relation to the exposure of plants to climate changes.
Proactive measures are essential: encouraging the use of preventative medicines, conducting education campaigns about allergies and their triggers, and providing clear information on how to manage allergy symptoms are steps that can help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from allergies.
