Yes, there really is more pollen, thanks to climate change A new Maine study calls rising pollen levels a public health threat as respiratory problems worsen. Steve Collins/Sun Journal There is a growing public health threat in Maine from pollen exposure driven by the climate crisis, a new air quality report by the state Department of Environmental Protection warns. “Pollen health threats are real and are increasing in response to warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels,” according to the May 19 assessment of Maine’s air monitoring network by the department’s Bureau of Air Quality. “Climate change is lengthening the ‘pollen/mold season’ in Maine,” the report said, “resulting in increased exposure” and “more frequent allergic reaction episodes amongst those afflicted with respiratory disease.”