Altering airborne pollen concentrations due to the Global Warming. A comparative analysis of airborne pollen records from Innsbruck and Obergurgl (Austria) for the period 1980–2001

Abstract

Airborne pollen concentration was analysed for six plant taxa for the years 1980–2001 and related to temperature records for the same interval in two different areas in Austria. Both in valley areas (Innsbruck) and at higher altitudes (Obergurgl) the flowering period starts earlier, and lasts longer, and the peak values and pollen production were found to increase. Thus the potential for allergic responses to pollen has considerably increased.