I recently watched ‘Dimming the Sun’, a fascinating NOVA documentary that explains how atmospheric pollution has been masking the full effect of global warming–and the world may face a climate crisis much sooner than previously thought.

Many scientists believe that global warming is a big reason for the rapid rise of allergies over the past few decades. Allergic diseases have also increased recently because of lifestyle changes, obesity, and pollution. Because of these factors, a larger percentage of the population will be more sensitive to any increase in allergens caused by global warming.

Global warming results in increased plant growth, longer flowering seasons, and more intense rainstorms–which means more pollen, more mold, and more allergic disease.

Learn more about global warming's impact on allergies at LiveScience.com.