Plants can be affected by air pollution in different ways and at different magnitudes depending on the characteristics of both the plant and the pollutant. Climate change lengthens the amount of time pollen is produced, and many pollen-generating plants are more productive when exposed to more carbon dioxide. On the other hand, ozone, another greenhouse gas, poses a harm to plant cells and photosynthesis. Reduced sunlight as a result of pollutants and particles also decreases the growth of plants. This loss in plant growth means countries lose money in addition to food for their residents.

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     Air pollution can damage soil and water sources, which in turn endangers trees and plants. Chemicals from oil spills, landfills, and pesticides seep into the earth and remove important nutrients from the soil, replacing them with harmful substances that restrict plant growth. Extra nutrients from fertilizers that run off into the water can promote excessive growth in plants or impact the acidity of the water and harm the plants. Acid rain, caused by pollution from the burning of fossil fuels, can physically damage leaves, the process of photosynthesis, and other parts of plants while also contributing to soil pollution. Harm and weakness brought to plants by pollution can put them at a higher risk for diseases that can then harm anyone who eats them, further damaging the ecosystem.