Cities face the invisible threat of noise pollution
Discover this strategic intelligence note to learn more about the various types of actions implemented by cities worldwide to improve the quality of the acoustic environment.
2 billion people worldwide will experience varying degrees of hearing impairment by 2050.
Source: OMS.5th place = place of deafness and tinnitus in the health concerns of the French.
Source: Enquête Ifop.
Cities facing the invisible threat of noise pollution
The strategic intelligence note "cities facing the invisible threat of noise pollution" examines the impacts of noise pollution in urban public spaces. With 2 billion people expected to suffer from hearing impairment by 2050 and 12,000 premature deaths per year in Europe linked to noise, this phenomenon is a major public health concern. Often underestimated, noise pollution affects quality of life and biodiversity, requiring regulatory measures and innovations to mitigate its effects.
Noise pollution: a public health issue
Noise pollution, defined as any sound exceeding 65 decibels, is recognized as the second leading cause of morbidity in Europe, after air pollution. It causes hearing disorders, disrupts sleep, affects the cardiovascular system, and generates environmental stress. In France, 65% of urban residents report being bothered by noise, a figure that rises to 80% among Parisians.
Innovative solutions to reduce noise
To combat noise pollution, a variety of solutions are being implemented: greening public spaces, reducing road traffic, promoting electric vehicles, and using sound-absorbing materials. Initiatives such as "the punishing signal" in Mumbai or acoustic barriers for urban construction sites demonstrate that effective responses exist to make cities quieter and more livable.
Extract of the note:
Extract of the note: Cities face the invisible threat of noise pollution