City Pollen levels rising across Europe

[marchesarosa]

Research shows city pollen levels are rising across Europe.


Why would that be?

CO2 fertilisation effect?

Urban Heat Island Effect?

Townies planting more greenery than before?

All of the above?



C. Ziello, T.H. Sparks, N. Estrella, J. Belmonte, K.C. Bergmann, E. Bucher, M.A. Brighetti, A. Damialis, M. Detandt, C. Galan, R. Gehrig, L. Grewling, A.M. Gutierrez Bustillo, M. Hallsdottir, M.-C. Kockhans-Bieda, C. De Linares, D. Myszkowska, A. Paldy, A. Sanchez, M. Smith, M. Thibaudon, A. Travaglini, A. Uruska, R.M. Valencia-Barrera, D. Vokou, R. Wachter, L.A. de Weger, A. Menzel (2012): Changes to airborne pollen counts across Europe, PLoS ONE
dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0034076

Twenty eight authors for this one paper!Their institute must have an ‘every child gets a prize’ publication authorship policy.



more here
wattsupwiththat.com/2012/04/18/achoo-killer-agw-pollen-attacks/
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/07/09/tech/main562379.shtml

[jonjel]

I am wondering whether it could be the weather or whether weather can be discounted?

[marchesarosa]

The thing is the research shows pollen in cities is rising faster than in the countryside. It's a mystery!

[jonjel]

Being serious for one moment MR (I have had a rough afternoon - see my other thread) there is far more plant life in cities than most people imagine, and it is very diverse.

There is a guy who keeps a lot of bee hives on I think the roof of what was county hall in London, and does remarkably well.

[marchesarosa]

My city, Leeds is pretty green - lots of parks, open spaces and, of course, gardens.

And for the last week or so I have been scratching my eyes out they are so itchy! It's either too much TV and computer screen or too much pollen!

[jonjel]

Maybe it is because pollution is less now than it was in days of yore. I don't know, pure speculation.

As for your eyes MR, I am sorry, but I can't answer that either. Teat yourself to a better pair of binoculars if you are 'people watching'