Why Your Allergies Get Worse Every Year
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Health
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Vox
What it is
- This Vox video shows how an increase in carbon dioxide in the air has led to more pollen production, exacerbating seasonal allergies.
- Students will learn that as pollen levels increase, asthma and other respiratory health problems will become more frequent and more severe.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video teaches students about an interesting and lesser-known side effect of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Elegant illustrations and high-quality production value make this video fun to watch.
Prerequisites
- This video begins with an advertisement.
- Though briefly covered in the video, students may benefit from having background knowledge about greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon cycle.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Biology or general science classes can use this video in a unit about the respiratory system.
- Health classes can research the types of health risks associated with increased pollen as well as solutions to seasonal allergies and make public service posters to display in the school.
- Other resources on this topic include this video on the negative effects of increased carbon dioxide levels, this video that explains how trees can store carbon, and the American Lung Association's State of the Air Report.
From the scientist review
Climate change is directly affecting people's health. Because carbon dioxide is a vital component of photosynthesis, increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are causing plants to produce more pollen. This is leading to a positive feedback loop where more and more pollen is created each year by the plants, in turn making allergies worse for people. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on youtube.com
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
