The environmental impact of noise pollution

Noise pollution can have a number of negative impacts on the environment. (1) & (2)

Some of the ways in which noise pollution can affect the environment include:

1. Disrupting the natural patterns of wildlife: Noise pollution can interfere with the communication and behavior of wildlife, disrupting their natural patterns and potentially causing harm. For example, noise pollution can make it difficult for animals to find mates, forage for food, or migrate.

2. Affecting the behavior of plants: Some studies have found that noise pollution can affect the growth and behavior of plants, including how they respond to light and temperature.

3. Impeding the natural regeneration of ecosystems: Noise pollution can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem, making it more difficult for certain species to thrive and for ecosystems to regenerate.

4. Reducing the enjoyment of natural spaces: Noise pollution can make it difficult for people to enjoy natural spaces, such as parks and forests, due to the presence of unwanted or excessive noise.

Noise pollution is a growing problem in the oceans too - as human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, and military exercises have increased the level of noise in the marine environment. This can have a number of negative impacts on marine life, including:

1. Interference with communication: Noise pollution can interfere with the ability of marine animals to communicate with each other, which can affect their behavior and social interactions.

2. Disruption of migration and feeding patterns: Noise pollution can disrupt the natural patterns of marine animals, including their migration and feeding habits, potentially leading to reduced fitness and increased mortality.

3. Stress and anxiety: Noise pollution can cause stress and anxiety in marine animals, which can affect their immune function and overall health.

4. Hearing loss: Some marine animals, such as whales and dolphins, rely on their sense of hearing for communication, navigation, and finding food. Noise pollution can cause hearing loss in these animals, which can have serious consequences for their survival and reproduction.

Reducing noise pollution is important for the health and well-being of both people and the environment. This can involve implementing measures to reduce the sources of noise and increase the use of quiet technologies and practices.

Additional Material

The Economist - How noise pollution affects the ocean

Vox - Why the ocean is getting louder

Sources:

(1) Slabbekoorn, H., & Peet, M. (2003). Anthropogenic noise disrupts communication in wild birds. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 270(1517), 867-873.

(2) Hempel, S., & Schacht, H. (2010). Effects of traffic noise on growth and physiology of plants: a review. Environmental Pollution, 158(4), 1035-1045. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2009.09.025