{"id":40553,"date":"2025-03-23T18:32:41","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T17:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/?p=40553"},"modified":"2025-03-24T01:58:55","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T00:58:55","slug":"theres-something-in-the-air","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/en\/theres-something-in-the-air\/","title":{"rendered":"There\u2019s something in the air"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pollen.<\/strong><\/p><\/h3><\/div>

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In spring, nature awakens from its winter slumber. Everything begins to grow and bloom.<\/a><\/em><\/strong> The days get longer, the first flowers blossom, and the warming rays of the sun lift our spirits. But not everyone can enjoy this season without worry. For many, spring means one thing above all: the start of allergy season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pollen allergies: A growing challenge<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Pollen allergies are among the most common chronic illnesses worldwide<\/a>. In Germany alone, over 10 million adults and approximately 1.5 million children and adolescents suffer from seasonal symptoms<\/strong><\/a>. Additionally, there are numerous cases of asthma<\/a> triggered by pollen. And the numbers keep rising: According to the Robert Koch Institute, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased significantly since the 1970s and remains at a high level<\/a>. Symptoms range from sneezing and watery eyes to severe breathing problems and asthma attacks.<\/p>\n

But allergies don\u2019t just affect individuals. They also have societal impact<\/strong><\/a>s: In Germany, allergies cause around one million sick days annually. Every “tenth sick note in Germany is due to an allergy”, and 30,000 young people abandon their education due to allergy-related issues<\/strong><\/a>. The economic costs of untreated allergies are estimated at around 100 billion euros across Europe<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Aniket<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Photo: Aniket Bhattacharya<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Climate change worsens allergy season<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Climate change plays a crucial role in intensifying allergy season. Rising temperatures, air pollution, prolonged dry periods, and urbanization exacerbate allergies and amplify their symptoms. These factors cause pollen to be released earlier, remain in the air longer, and become more aggressive. As experts note, “due to climatic changes, the flowering of allergologically significant plants begins earlier, ends later, and is sometimes more intense”<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>