This project is divided into two sections: How Did I Wake Up Today? and How Did I Sleep?
〜How Did I Wake Up?
A 365-Day Artistic Research: A Diary on Climate, Allergies, and Human Psychology
Project Duration: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Climate, Allergies, and Human Experience
Climate change has become a crisis that deeply affects not only ecosystems and weather patterns but also human health. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and shifts in seasonal cycles have significantly increased respiratory diseases and allergic reactions, directly impacting daily life.
This project is an artistic exploration of how environmental changes are physically and emotionally experienced through the human body. How Did I Wake Up? is a visual diary consisting of daily drawings or poems documenting my physical and emotional state every morning for 365 days. This artistic research aims to make the bodily and psychological impacts of allergies visible while connecting them to climate change and the inevitable relationship between individuals and nature.
Project Content and Methodology
The project is structured around three main themes:
- Climate Change and Allergies: A visual and textual archive will document how increased pollen levels, shifts in seasonal durations, and other environmental factors trigger allergic reactions.
- Body and Perception: Physical symptoms observed in my own body, such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, will be recorded through an intuitive and carefree artistic method.
- Psychological and Emotional Effects: Drawings and poems will explore how chronic allergies influence mood, sleep patterns, productivity, and the relationship with the surrounding environment.
Throughout this process:
- A drawing or poem will be recorded daily.
- Seasonal transitions will be specifically observed. Factors such as increased pollen in spring, heat waves in summer, and air pollution in autumn and winter will be analyzed in relation to allergic reactions.
- By the end of the year, the collection of drawings and poems covering 365 days will be arranged in chronological order, making it suitable for exhibition display. Since displaying all the drawings may be challenging, the month in which allergies reach their peak can be selected for a physical exhibition, while the remaining works can be shared online to reach the spectators.
Artistic and Research Contribution
This project integrates artistic research with ecological and scientific contexts through a deeply personal approach. By using my own body as a research subject, I aim to make the direct effects of environmental changes on individuals more tangible.
Art serves as a powerful medium to merge scientific data with personal experiences. How Did I Wake Up? is not just an artistic work but also a visual memory of the delicate balance between nature, the body, and emotions. The project encourages a cartographic reading of climate change through the lens of personal perception and bodily sensations.

〜How Did I Sleep?
The How Did I Sleep? section explores the effects of insomnia and eco-anxiety on the body and mind. Sleep intersects with climate change and environmental factors, creating a process influenced by both. Bodily tension, mental anxiety, and constant thoughts hinder the transition into sleep. This animation visualizes the fragmented mind and physical exhaustion caused by eco-anxiety, immersing the audience in the experience of a mind trying to fall asleep. The animation will be created using frame-by-frame animations and the merging of outdoor videos. In the animation, we will see a pair of eyes trying to fall asleep, shifting between the boundary of sleep and wakefulness.


My family and I struggle with various allergies and asthma. From time to time, we discuss whether our conditions have worsened. We have some suspicions that the increase in these ailments might be related to human-induced climate change. I’ve noticed that climate change, particularly rising temperatures, is closely linked to changes in the prevalence and severity of asthma and allergic diseases. It has caused shifts in the length and intensity of pollen seasons—this has shortened the time I can spend in our garden filled with olive trees and other outdoor areas. The longer I stay in the garden, the more severe my allergic reactions become, resulting in symptoms such as itching in the nose, burning and watering eyes, and itching and burning in the throat. Spending more time indoors has led to increased stress and anxiety, and a rise in allergic reactions, yet paradoxically, it has also improved my productivity.
“How Did I Wake Up Today?” is a series that will span one year, reflecting the different emotional and physical states I experience over the course of 365 days. The series will take the form of a diary, composed of naïve and carefree drawings and short poems. Through the drawings and poems, the artist aims to track elements and intensities of climate.
The Effects of Climate Change on Human Health
Climate change has significant effects on human health, particularly in relation to allergic and respiratory diseases. Rising global temperatures and increasing CO₂ levels are associated with longer pollen seasons, higher pollen concentrations, and a broader geographical distribution of pollen, leading to more severe seasonal allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. In addition, environmental changes significantly affect neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and immunological health. (1)
However, the distribution of allergenic plants across Europe is also influenced by various factors such as local climatic conditions, land-use changes, and socio-economic transitions. While climate change may contribute to fluctuations in pollen levels, the anthropogenic increase in CO₂ levels is emerging as a significant determinant, particularly in urban environments. (2)
The colonization of new geographic areas by species such as ragweed and grass pollen can lead to new respiratory diseases, both through the development of new sensitivities and cross-reactivity with existing allergens. Climate change exacerbates respiratory illnesses in various ways:
Higher temperatures and increasing heatwaves can worsen respiratory conditions, especially in areas with high pollution levels.


Changes in the growth patterns of allergenic species can affect the severity of allergic rhinitis and asthma.


Climate change can alter the impact of respiratory infections.


Heavy rainfall and flooding can lead to mold growth in homes, negatively affecting indoor air quality.


Extreme weather events such as thunderstorms can trigger large-scale asthma attacks due to the sudden release of large amounts of aeroallergens.


It can cause changes in the growth patterns and distribution of pathogenic microorganisms.


It can lead to changes in the patterns of respiratory infections. (3)

The direct and indirect effects of climate change-induced global warming on the respiratory system, combined with changing levels of aeroallergens, contribute to increased respiratory health risks and symptom severity.
Thunderstorm asthma, triggered by extreme weather events such as lightning and thunderstorms during pollen seasons, poses a particular risk as it can lead to severe asthma attacks and even deaths in individuals with pollen allergies. Thunderstorms occurring during pollen seasons may trigger severe asthma attacks in allergic individuals, leading to storm-related asthma outbreaks. (4) These outbreaks are characterized by the dispersal of allergenic particles derived from pollen and spores due to osmotic rupture during thunderstorms. Thunderstorm-related asthma has been observed in various parts of the world, with significant health impacts including hospital admissions and intensive care unit stays. These outbreaks are closely associated with storm events, high pollen concentrations, and increased levels of allergenic particles. As a result, individuals with pollen allergies should be cautious and avoid being outdoors during storms in pollen seasons to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations. (5) These storms, in particular, lead to seasonal rhinitis and asthma exacerbations. (6)
The frequency of wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms is expected to increase with climate change, further intensifying heatwaves and global warming. Wildfire smoke, which is primarily composed of particulate matter, has a more pronounced effect on mortality compared to urban pollution due to its smaller particle size and higher levels of oxidative and pro-inflammatory compounds. Wildfires and deforestation enhance immunological effects, while wildfire smoke exacerbates asthma attacks and inflammation. The healthcare sector, which contributes significantly to global CO₂ emissions, must consider its carbon footprint and the associated impacts on climate and health.
Changes in temperature—particularly heatwaves and cold spells—are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Higher temperatures can lead to increased cardiac strain, blood viscosity, plasma cholesterol, and interleukin-6 levels, while also disrupting sleep patterns and reducing physical activity—all of which contribute to cardiovascular risk. Temperature rise, intensified by wildfires and greenhouse gas emissions, can heighten vulnerability to heat-related ACS, especially when combined with high PM2.5 concentrations. (7)
Some studies have shown a potential increase in pollen allergenicity in CO₂-enriched environments, highlighting the need for further research. Epidemiological studies indicate that air pollution, particularly in urban areas, has adverse effects on lung development and asthma prevalence.
While high temperatures and changing precipitation patterns may exacerbate pollen allergies and asthma outbreaks, they also appear to reduce susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. Overall, the impact of climate change on health-related air pollutants is expected to increase the frequency of urban air pollution events. However, the net effect on respiratory allergies remains uncertain and calls for ongoing research. (8)

The Effect of Climate Change on Pollen Allergens and Aeroallergens
Climate change has profound effects on pollen distribution and allergenicity, and vegetation is one of the most significant indicators of climatic shifts. As temperatures rise, floristic zones migrate northward, affecting the types of vegetation that thrive in different regions. Global warming caused by climate change accelerates floral development, leading to earlier flowering—especially in plants that bloom in the spring. Pollen monitoring data across Europe reveal an increase in pollen counts from various allergenic plants such as hazel, birch, and grasses. (9)
Climate change affects the relationship between pollutants, dust storms, storm events, and aeroallergens, altering exposure patterns and durations to pollen and fungi. The prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases has increased globally, making a large population more susceptible to allergic conditions due to any rise in pollen exposure and allergenicity. (10) Plant allergenicity is influenced by rising CO₂ levels, with higher concentrations increasing plant biomass and pollen production. Climate change-related higher temperatures promote longer pollen seasons and earlier flowering for some plants, potentially worsening the impact of allergic diseases. However, the effects of climate change on allergenic plants vary depending on factors such as plant species and geographic location. Increases in airborne pollen counts, combined with worsening air pollution, contribute to higher exposure to allergic diseases in populations subjected to high pollen loads. Overall, climate-related ecological changes are expected to result in stronger allergenic plants and increased aeroallergen loads, posing significant challenges for individuals with inhalant allergies. (11)
For example, ragweed, which is a major cause of respiratory allergies, is expected to become more widespread in Europe due to climate change, leading to an increase in the prevalence of ragweed allergy. (12)
During natural pollination, mature pollen grains released by the anthers become dehydrated and, after coming into contact with a wet surface, the pollen grains absorb water and undergo rapid metabolic changes. Later, when pollen grains penetrate the conjunctival, nasal, or oral mucosa, pollen allergens are rapidly released, causing pollinosis symptoms in the ocular and respiratory mucosa of sensitized patients. Climate change can also affect fungal growth and distribution, but this area requires further research. Additionally, it affects the migration patterns of plants and fungi. Some important studies have shown a correlative link between increased atmospheric fungal spore counts and increased asthma admissions and emergency visits, and certain fungal species such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus have been shown to potentially exacerbate asthma-related morbidity. The relationship between increased humidity triggering higher spore production and distribution and high wind speeds draws attention to the multifaceted nature of mold-related respiratory exacerbations. Furthermore, increasing evidence shows that atmospheric mold spore concentrations trigger thunderstorm asthma events; this situation can be exemplified by the high asthma emergency visits accompanying increased fungal spore counts during storm events.In addition to indoor mold reservoirs, atmospheric mold constitutes a reasonable risk factor for worsening asthma outcomes. In particular, sensitivity to Alternaria alternata emerges as a predictive marker for epidemic asthma exacerbations, especially in cohorts with seasonal asthma. Basidiospores and ascospores, along with general pollen counts, have been associated with early-onset wheezing respiratory illnesses in pediatric populations and further emphasize the harmful effects of mold exposure on vulnerable demographic groups. In summary, when exposed at sufficient intensity and duration, mold allergens tend to trigger asthma development and exacerbate pre-existing conditions, underlining the necessity for comprehensive mitigation strategies and targeted interventions. (13)

Stress and Psychological Effects
Climate change, along with variables such as geographic location, access to resources, and availability of information, has significant effects on mental health. Severe weather events like hurricanes and wildfires can trigger psychiatric conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Eco-anxiety
Prolonged exposure to evacuation and adverse environmental changes increases emotional stress and can accelerate coping strategies such as substance use. Additionally, high temperatures and heatwaves especially increase the likelihood of suicidal tendencies, self-harm, and aggressive behaviors among individuals with pre-existing mental health issues. At the same time, rising temperatures contribute to demographic changes, economic fluctuations, and resource scarcity, which further heighten risks to mental health. Furthermore, persistent concerns about environmental degradation—often referred to as “eco-anxiety” or “climate anxiety”—add to the psychological burden, emphasizing the necessity of addressing mental health within the framework of climate change. (14)
Anthropogenic emissions reduce air quality, with substances like ozone and particulate matter posing significant health risks. Climate change is linked to mental illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and infections, while habitat destruction can increase pandemic risks. Flooding can worsen conditions such as asthma by increasing exposure to allergens. (15)


References
1 D’Amato G, Akdis Cezmi A. Global warming, climate change, air pollution and allergie.
2 D'Amato G, Holgate ST, Pawankar R, et al. Meteorological conditions, climate change, new
emerging factors, and asthma and related allergic disorders. A statement of the World Allergy
Organization.
3 Eguiluz-Gracia I, Mathioudakis Alexander G, Bartel Sabine, et al. The need for clean air: The way air
pollution and climate change affect allergic rhinitis and asthma.
4 D’Amato G, Chong-Neto Herberto Jose, et al. The effects of climate change on respiratory allergy
and asthma induced by pollen and mold allergens.
5 D’Amato G, Berggman Karl Christian, Cecchi L, et al. Climate change and air pollution Effects on
pollen allergy and other allergic respiratory diseases.
6 D’Amato G, Chong-Neto Herberto Jose, et al. The effects of climate change on respiratory allergy
and asthma induced by pollen and mold allergens.
7 D’Amato G, Akdis Cezmi A. Global warming, climate change, air pollution and allergie.
8 D'Amato G, Holgate ST, Pawankar R, et al. Meteorological conditions, climate change, new
emerging factors, and asthma and related allergic disorders.
9 Shea Katherine M, Truckner Robert T, Weber Richard W, et al. Climate change and allergic disease.
10 Katelaris Constance H, Beggs Paul J, Climate change: allergens and allergic diseases.
11 Katelaris Constance H, Beggs Paul J, Climate change: allergens and allergic diseases.
12 D’Amato G, Akdis Cezmi A. Global warming, climate change, air pollution and allergie.
13 D’Amato G, Berggman Karl Christian, Cecchi L, et al. Climate change and air pollution Effects on
pollen allergy and other allergic respiratory diseases.
14 Agache I, Sampath V, Aguilera J, et al. Climate change and global health: A call to more research
and more action.
15 Luschkova D, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Ludwig A, Climate change and allergies.