3. Changes in Plant Behavior
Plants are responding to changing environmental conditions, leading to shifts in pollen production and distribution. Certain plant species are now able to thrive in areas where they were previously unable to grow due to climate changes. This can introduce new allergens to regions and populations not previously exposed.
For example, ragweed, a common allergen, is spreading to new areas in Europe and North America due to milder winters and longer growing seasons. The introduction of new allergenic plants to different regions can increase the overall pollen load and contribute to worse allergy seasons.