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Hay Fever Season to Be Two Weeks Longer that Will 'Impact Millions of People in UK'
Researchers said climate change has extended pollen exposure for allergic rhinitis sufferers by 1 to 2 weeks, affecting millions across the UK.
- Climate change has "prolonged the pollen season" by one to two weeks, according to the Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report, increasing allergen exposure for people with allergic rhinitis.
- Researchers in The Lancet Public Health found that pollen release is shifting earlier, detecting an earlier season start of one to two weeks for birch, alder, and olive trees between 2015 and 2024 compared with 1991 to 2000.
- Across the UK, 13 million people suffer from hay fever, with tree pollen affecting around 25% of the population, or 16.8 million people. Allergy rates are high, with 39% of children and 30% of adults impacted.
- Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services at Allergy UK, said "for many their hay fever symptoms impact their quality of life," while a separate allergy strategy warns NHS care remains "dramatically under-resourced."
- Broader climate reports warn that rising heat-related deaths and increased dengue risk threaten public health, noting that as long as Europe relies on fossil fuels, public budgets and health remain vulnerable.
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How did climate change extend UK pollen seasons?
UK pollen season has stretched by climate change A new study finds that pollen season across the UK and mainland Europe has been running longer for years, with climate change driving the shift. Researchers report an extension of roughly one to two weeks since the 1990s , meaning many people now…
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution81% Center
Bias Distribution
- 81% of the sources are Center
81% Center
C 81%
13%
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