Rising CO2, Climate Change, and Public Health: Exploring the Links to Plant Biology
2009
Rising CO2, Climate Change, and Public Health: Exploring the Links to Plant Biology
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ziska Lewis H., Epstein Paul R., Schlesinger William H.
Hypothesis
What aspects of plant biology currently affect public health?
Conclusion
There are clear links among climate change, plant biology, and public health that remain underappreciated.
Supporting Evidence
- Rising CO2 levels have been shown to increase pollen production of allergenic plants like ragweed.
- More than 100 plant species are associated with contact dermatitis, which may increase with rising CO2.
- Plants are crucial for food security, and rising CO2 could affect their nutritional quality.
Takeaway
As CO2 levels rise, plants grow more, which can affect our health in ways we don't fully understand, like increasing allergies and changing food quality.
Methodology
The authors critically evaluate existing literature on the links between plant function and human health.
Limitations
Key questions about the interactions between plant biology and public health remain unaddressed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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