News · 22 April 2026

UK, Europe pollen season now two weeks longer

People across the UK and mainland Europe are suffering hay fever for longer each year, according to the Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report, published in The Lancet Public Health. Climate change has shifted the pollen season for allergenic trees including birch, alder and olive, with seasons starting one to two weeks earlier than they did in the 1990s.

By BriefTea Editorial · 22 April 2026 at 5:54

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

WorldTurkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to discuss new mutual protection deal on Monday WorldIran's unseen supreme leader urges Gulf countries to fight a shared enemy BusinessIceland supermarket boss tells the Chancellor to cut business taxes for employers GeneralNigel Farage's £5m donor has major stakes in arms industry PoliticsTreasury officials advise John Healey to tax banks and oil companies more HealthCorrecting hearing loss can cut dementia risk by almost half Browse all stories →