A team of researchers from the University of Cordoba conducted a study on oak trees in Andalusia to understand how climate change affects allergy seasons. The research focused on Quercus genus oak trees because they are common in Andalusia and release a lot of pollen into the air.
This makes them a good indicator of climate change effects on blooming. The study found that pollen seasons for oak trees are getting longer and more intense due to global warming. This affects various oak species including holm, cork, common, Portuguese, and kermes oaks.
The blooming of oak trees starts earlier now, especially for species like holm oak that are sensitive to temperature changes. This leads to a longer pollen season overall. There were some variations observed like in Granada where early blooming didn’t happen possibly due to rainfall before spring.
Climate factors like rising temperatures and increased CO2 levels are causing these changes. Higher CO2 levels make plants more active, leading to earlier blooming and more pollen production. While oak pollen isn’t usually a major allergen, its increasing presence and longer pollen seasons could impact people with allergies. This is similar to what happened with cypress pollen, which used to be harmless but now causes winter allergies.
The researchers collected data using air sampling devices to measure pollen concentrations. This helped them accurately track pollen seasons and compare their findings with other studies. The study emphasizes the importance of standardizing methods for measuring pollen seasons. This will help researchers understand the health impacts of climate change-related pollen allergies better.
Oak trees are important for their strength, longevity, and the habitats they provide for wildlife. They can be found in various regions of the world and are known for their distinctive hardwood. Some oak trees shed their leaves annually, while others keep them year-round. Their leaves are usually lobed and come in different sizes and shapes, making them easy to identify.
