Climate change, air pollution, pollen and health

Overview

Air pollution and climate change together worsen the health impacts of allergens like pollen and airborne biological particles, leading to increased inflammatory and allergic conditions. The effects of air pollution on diseases such as asthma are well-established and are intensified by climate change, which alters the levels and distribution of outdoor pollutants like ground-level ozone and particulate matter. Additionally, rising carbon dioxide levels and higher temperatures caused by climate change result in earlier and longer pollen seasons with greater pollen production, increasing exposure and worsening allergy symptoms. Particulate matter can also increase pollen allergenicity. These combined factors contribute to more severe respiratory conditions, placing greater strain on healthcare systems and reducing quality of life for those affected.

Climate change, air pollution, pollen and health highlights the linkages between air pollution, pollen and health in the context of a changing climate. The technical brief summarizes priority actions to address the health impacts of this source of air pollution and success stories that have addressed this issue.

This document is part of the WHO Air Quality, Energy, and Health Science and Policy Summaries (SPS). These summaries provide concise overviews of current knowledge and evidence on air quality, energy access, climate change, and health. They aim to support decision-makers by presenting key insights from scientific research.

The SPS are developed through a multistakeholder consultation process that includes experts from WHO Advisory Groups – i.e., the Scientific Advisory Group on Air Pollution and Health (SAG), and the Global Air Pollution and Health – Technical Advisory Group (GAPH-TAG) – as well as specialists from WHO Collaborating Centres, UN agencies as well as other experts from academia and civil society.

All Science and Policy Summaries can be accessed here