Climate change is rapidly and dramatically changing our current environmental baseline. The 2025 allergy season may be the worst we’ve seen in recorded history, according to experts. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), climate change could increase pollen levels by 30-100%. They say the cause of this is due to earlier growing seasons, more carbon dioxide emissions, and extended blooming periods. This disturbing pattern is set to affect millions of Americans. Those living in the southern and southeastern areas of the United States will be hit the hardest.
Recent data reveals that the growing seasons across the U.S. have shifted, beginning approximately 20 days earlier than they did three decades ago. This alteration is largely the result of higher global temperatures and more carbon dioxide in the air. These artificial conditions enable plants to grow two or three times faster and larger. They lead to an extraordinary upsurge in pollen production.
The Role of Climate Change
Climate change has become a major force driving longer and more intense allergy seasons. Science has long told us that pollen seasons are starting earlier and ending later and are overall more intense, creating harsher conditions for those who suffer from allergies.
“Due to climate change, growing seasons start 20 days earlier than they did just 30 years ago,” says Jaffe, a spokesperson for the AAFA.
Widespread extended growing seasons allow plants to flower much sooner. Additionally, they contribute to producing pollen for a much longer period of time during the year. Tree pollen typically creates the most havoc from mid-February through April. At the same time, grass pollen peaks from April to June. As summer wanes, ragweed can worsen symptoms for those allergic to this prevalent plant late in the summer.
Increased Pollen Production
Climate change, particularly the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, is pushing plants to make more pollen at higher rates than ever. Just as their physical growth and development is sped up, so too is their potential to produce pollen. Pollen counts for this year will likely be the highest on record. Consequently, people who are sensitive to these airborne allergens will find their allergic response exacerbated.
The AAFA’s annual Allergy Capitals report flags these cities as the most vulnerable to extreme allergy seasons. Areas like Wichita, Kansas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Memphis, Tennessee are among the top allergy capitals in the United States. People living in the worst-affected areas of the world may need to brace themselves for a severe allergy season coming up.
“Research consistently shows that pollen seasons are getting longer and more intense,” Jaffe states.
These shifts will increase symptoms and suffering of the millions who have seasonal allergies. Consequently, they are forced to suffer all year long.
Recommendations for Allergy Management
To get ahead of severe allergy symptoms throughout this lasting season, experts suggest taking a round-the-clock allergy action plan approach. This approach needs to go beyond just reducing exposure to pollen and involve using allergy medications a lot earlier—perhaps a month in advance.
“Using a comprehensive allergy management strategy—both reducing exposure to pollen and using allergy medicines—can allow you to both enjoy spring weather and reduce allergy symptoms,” Jaffe advises.
As Fall allergy season begins, the AAFA strongly advises those with allergies and related conditions to begin preventative allergy medications. Start them two weeks prior to the onset of pollen season. This prevention tactic can ease allergy symptoms and increase comfort when pollen counts soar.
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