Environment: Assessing the impact of climate change on pollen season length in the US
Nature Communications publishes a paper reporting the results of a modeling study in which the release of pollen from plants in the United States may begin up to 21 days earlier than it is now as a result of climate change at the end of the 40st century.The findings reveal how climate change and pollution can prolong the season of pollen-related allergies and have further adverse effects on human health.
The production of pollen by the wind is related to temperature and precipitation, and plays an important role in fertilization of plants.Pollen-induced respiratory allergies, such as hay fever, affect 30% of the world's population and contribute to economic loss due to absenteeism and medical spending.Because of these health and economic problems, it is important to understand how plant pollen production and seasonal allergies change with climate change.
Now, Yingxiao Zhang and Allison Steiner have combined climate data with socio-economic scenarios to develop a modeling method for predicting changes in pollen emissions in the United States at the end of the 21st century (2081-2100). Compared with the period (1995-2014).They found that by the end of the 21st century, pollen release began up to 40 days earlier and could last 19 days longer, increasing annual pollen release across the United States by 16-40%.In addition, incorporating carbon dioxide concentrations into this model found that anthropogenic environmental pollution could increase annual pollen emissions by up to 250%.
The authors say that the data on the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on pollen production is based on laboratory research results, so further research is needed to quantify the effect on the natural environment. I have pointed out.The authors also conclude that the findings are the starting point for further research on the effects of climate change on pollen release patterns and their consequent health effects.
[Original English »]
"Highlights of Nature Magazines" is a translation of a release made by Nature's public relations department for the press.If you need more accurate and detailed information, be sure to read the original paper.
* This article is reprinted from "Nature Japan Featured Highlights".
Reprinted from: "Environment: Assessment of the impact of climate change on the length of the pollen release period in the United States'
