Allergies May Worsen Due to Climate Change

From extreme rains, to extreme temperatures, to worsening allergies, we have you covered on the latest climate change news.

Welcome back! We hope you’re having a great start to the week.

If you’re like us, you’re probably happy to see more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Flowers and trees are starting to bloom, which may look pretty, but could be wreaking havoc on your respiratory system. We’ve definitely had our fair share of itchy eyes and runny noses this spring already. If you have too, check out the third article in this week’s newsletter to learn how these pesky allergies may be linked to climate change.

Happy reading!

Cloud Seeding Quandary in Dubai

Dubai was hit with record rainfall and flooding recently, leaving some to speculate cloud seeding is to blame. Typically, Dubai receives less than 3.9” of rainfall per year. In a span of just 24 hours, areas near Dubai received nearly 10” of rain, nearly 3 times the normal yearly amount. The torrential rain led to flash flooding which ultimately caused casualties. Social media users were quick to speculate that cloud seeding was to blame for this extreme weather event. Cloud seeding is when clouds are manipulated to help produce more rain, often via aircraft dropping small particles into clouds, which then causes water vapor to condense and turn into rain. The UAE has used cloud seeding in recent years to address water shortages. However, experts say at best the cloud seeding efforts would have had only a minor effect on the storm. Climate change is most likely to blame for the extreme rains, with the warmer air able to hold more moisture.

Warmest Month on Record Streak Continues

The Earth just experienced its warmest March on record. This marks the 10th month in a row to set a new temperature record. The last 12 months, from April 2023 to March 2024, ranked as the planet’s hottest ever recorded 12 month period, with a global average temperature of 1.58 degrees Celsius above the average in the pre-industrial period from 1850 to 1900. The climate change-driven hot temperatures have already wreaked havoc this year, causing a record number of wildfires in Venezuela and wiping out crops in Southern Africa leaving millions of people facing hunger. Marine scientists warn that a mass coral bleaching event is likely in the Southern Hemisphere, driven by warming waters, and could be the worst in the planet’s history. The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service blames the exceptional heat on human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, and other factors such as El Nino.

Worsening Allergies Linked to Climate Change

One of the big drivers of seasonal allergies is pollen. Climate change is increasing both the magnitude of pollen, as well as the length and duration of pollen season. Pollen concentrations are up 21%, with pollen season lasting around 20 days longer. Severe thunderstorms can also make pollen allergies worse by breaking up the pollen particles, allowing the pollen to go deeper into the body. Carbon dioxide is also changing the chemistry of the pollen, where the pollen contains more proteins and becomes more potent. Doctors expect allergies to continue to worsen as the climate continues to change.

What’s in the works for ClimateWatch?

Our goal is to bring you the latest in climate issues, trends, forecasts, innovations, and more. One way we’re hoping to do that in the future is by including an in-depth analysis from one of our experts! Stay tuned for that, you won’t want to miss it.

That’s all for this week! If you enjoyed our newsletter, please share it with your friends!

-Hannah, Eric, and Amy

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