New research has found that the pollen season has been ‘prolonged’ by up to a fortnight compared to 30 years ago
Hay fever may feel like it’s getting worse these days – and new research has backed that up(Image: Getty Images)
Millions of Brits suffer from hay fever, with pollen playing havoc with our sinuses and making us feel sniffly and sneezy just when the weather starts to get better.
For many people, it can often feel like the problem is getting worse year-on-year. Unfortunately, this isn’t just recency bias, as a new report has revealed hay fever is hitting harder now compared to 30 years ago.
The Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report found that the pollen season has been “prolonged” by up to two weeks since the 1990s, and it’s down to one key factor – climate change.
The Lancet’s review found that global warming is changing the flowering times of plants that release the allergenic pollen that causes hay fever sufferers to have such a rough time. The study looked at the pollen season for birch, alder, and olives, tracking changes in timing and intensity.
All allergenic trees were found to start their season one to two weeks earlier between 2015 and 2024, compared to 1991 to 2000. Experts have shared how this recorded change will impact those who have hay fever.
Speaking to Sky News, Asthma and Lung UK’s director of research and innovation, Dr Samantha Walker, said that the lengthier season “will bring more misery” for Brits dealing with the common pollen allergy.
And Anne Biggs, from Allergy UK, said more research into pollen seasons was “vital”. She added: “Details on longer pollen seasons are essential in the understanding and management of allergic conditions associated with pollens and air quality.”
A total of 65 researchers from more than 40 institutions worked on the report, which was published in The Lancet Public Health on April 21 and is the medical journal’s third Countdown on climate change and health in Europe.
The report found that the most vulnerable people were being hit hardest by climate change, with young children, older adults, and those working outside among the groups worst-affected by extreme heat. And low-income households were also found to be 10 per cent more likely to experience food insecurity as a result of the extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent.
Maria Walawender, The Lancet Countdown Climate Change and Health Research Fellow, highlighted the importance of the wide-ranging research. She said: “This report shows why rigorous, independent evidence is so vital in driving action on climate change and health.
“The data make clear that human caused climate change is driving heat related deaths, new infectious disease risks, and even lengthening pollen seasons.”
Dr Hedi Kriit, The Lancet Countdown Europe Research Fellow, said: “These widening gaps in climate‑related health risk show that protecting the most vulnerable can’t wait.
“More countries are planning for health adaptation, but without long‑term, reliable funding, those plans will sit on shelves while the impacts accelerate”
Professor Cathryn Tonne, Co-Director of the The Lancet Countdown Europe and Professor at ISGlobal, said: “Redirecting investments from fossil fuels into clean energy, improving air quality, safeguarding vulnerable groups and preparing health systems for rising climate shocks will deliver immediate and long‑term health benefits.
“The window for action is narrowing, but Europe has an opportunity to reinforce its decarbonisation leadership and pursue rapid, coordinated and health‑centred climate action to protect lives, reduce inequalities and build a resilient, low‑carbon future.”
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