How Climate Change Affects Allergies

Environment Apr 20, 2016 by Georgia Pereira

Problem: Climate change is a growing issue that is affecting many things. But I decided to research about how climate change affects human health, but specifically allergies.

Climate change affects human health by increasing global temperature, increasing the pollen seasons,

But how do we know climate change helps to cause allergies?

Climate change increases the global temperature, which has increased the amount of heat-related deaths
The more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more quickly plants grow. This also increases the amount of pollen plants produce
Parts of Canada that were once too cold for allergy-inducing plants to grow are now seeing activity for the first time
Allergy and pollen season is now lasting up to a month longer

Solutions:

Eat locally and organically

Almost 18% of greenhouse gases are produced by meat and dairy production
Buying locally grown food eliminates the need for a lot of transportation
Organic food reduces the amount of pesticides used, many people are becoming allergic to the use of pesticides
Produce will always be fresh

Cut down on transportation

Quickly reduces carbon dioxide emissions which are believed to be the main cause of global warming
Transportation causes about 25% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions
Walk,bike, carpool, or use city transportation
Buy fuel-efficient or electric cars

Also:

Track pollen counts

Reduce our use of coal, oil and natural gas

Stay indoors when pollen counts are high

Don't let your car idle for a long time

Use bike stations whenever possible