City Soundscapes: A Problem or an Essential Part of Urban Life?

Ringing in the New Year in Graz was anything but peaceful, as the skies lit up with the deafening pops of fireworks. Even though the vibrant hues might have gotten lost against the bright daylight, the cacophony certainly wasn't. As the clock struck midnight, the neighborhood became a symphony of spontaneous pyrotechnics. The volume was so intense, it would have made even the loudest rock bands jealously green with envy!

One can't help but wonder: isn't there a limit to how noisy a city should be?

C'Mon Feel the Rumble

It turns out urban noise is more than just the annoying clamor we've all come to know. It's become a critical public health issue, ranking second only to air pollution concerns[1].

Traffic accounts for a significant portion of it. About one in five Europeans are routinely subjected to harmful levels of traffic noise[1]. And the volume ringing in our ears is typically between 85 and 90 decibels[1], far louder than the recommended level of 55 decibels for urban areas[5]. (For comparison, firecrackers clock in at around 150 decibels—that's more than passing motorcycles, drills, and planes taking off!)

Chronic exposure to these high decibels can lead to severe hearing loss, as well as physical and psychological stress, tinnitus, depression, and even heart disease[1]. Even a single exposure to very loud noises can have harmful effects on the ears and brain[1][6].

Add in other urban noises, like vehicle engines, heavy machinery, construction projects, and sirens, and the situation becomes even more unsettling—literally. Some residents claim their buildings are shaking so much that it keeps them awake at night[5].

This issue isn't isolated to Europe or America. Inequality drives up noise levels in several urban areas, with low-income neighborhoods taking a bigger hit[1][3]. Many of the worst-offending cities are in Africa and Asia, where Ibadan, Nigeria (101 dB) [2] and Bangkok, Thailand (99 dB)[2] reign supreme.

Given that we care about other pollutants like carbon, light, and air, it's high time we start taking urban noise just as seriously.

Turn Down the Volume - City Solutions

In 2016, the EU implemented regulations requiring that vehicle engine manufacturers keep the noise produced by new vehicles below 72 decibels[4]. That's still high, but we can expect a decrease as more vehicles shift towards electric powertrains.

However, relying solely on manufacturers to make eco-friendly choices puts us in a bit of a pickle. We must address human behavior as well. In 2008, Mumbai tried something different by declaring a "No Honking Day." Over the years, more than 16,000 drivers received fines for blasting their horns unnecessarily[5].

Mounting signs and fines haven't been enough to modify behavior in places like Kathmandu, Nepal. In an effort to crack down on noise pollution, honking was entirely banned in April 2021. By shaming drivers into adopting quieter driving habits, noise and speed offenses have reduced significantly[5].

New York City's "Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution" (SLEEP) Act takes a similar approach. Violators who exceed 85 decibels are fined rather harshly, with penalties rolling in from high-tech sound radars[5].

Cities like Paris and numerous French towns already recognize noise pollution as a legal issue[5]. But rather than just deterring residents from setting off fireworks, as is the case in The Hague[2], implementing and enforcing clear noise rules is essential.

Silence Cities -A Path Forward

While silencers on fireworks may dampen the celebration, our attention should focus on more attainable goals. Since vehicles are the leading cause of urban noise pollution, efforts to curb this will go a long way in improving both citizen well-being and urban health.

Natural green spaces provide oases of tranquility amidst the urban humdrum. However, research suggests that it becomes increasingly difficult to access green spaces as cities grow[5]. Urban planners must create multiple, spacious, easily accessible quiet zones to promote easy escapes from the city noise for all residents.

These zones must be large enough to absorb and buffer sounds from the surroundings. Situating parks within no-car zones seems like a no-brainer[5]. It's crucial to allocate green spaces generously to underprivileged neighborhoods.

Making things a tad quieter involves more than green spaces. Implementing low-noise materials for vehicles, using absorption barriers where necessary, and lowering speed limits are all practical solutions[5].

If all else fails, let's borrow an idea from Kathmandu and introduce a bit of shame for loud offenders. If it works in libraries, why not apply it elsewhere? Sssshhh.

Enrichment Data:

Effective strategies for reducing urban noise and its negative impacts require a comprehensive approach, incorporating both policy and behavioral interventions, as well as environmental design.

Promoting Green Spaces: Trees, bushes, and other vegetation can absorb, reflect, and diffuse sound, reducing noise levels. Green spaces offer numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing well-being.
Built Barriers: Walls, berms, fencing, and other physical barriers can block or absorb sound waves diminishing exposure for residents nearby. Innovative eco-friendly barriers absorb sound effectively while reducing pollution.
Land Use Policies: Strategic zoning is essential to placing sensitive areas such as hospitals and schools away from noise sources and creating buffer zones. Clear, consistently enforced policies defining excessive noise levels and penalties for violations are crucial.
Technological and Educational Solutions: Noise monitoring systems help identify problem areas and measure the effectiveness of noise reduction strategies. Public education about the health impacts of urban noise and the importance of adopting responsible behaviors (e.g., lowering volumes, reducing idling) can help reduce noise pollution.
Masking and Environmental Design: Water features mask urban noise, providing a pleasant, calming background sound. Textured landscaping also improves the diffraction of sound waves, reducing noise intensity.

[1] EU Environment Agency: [https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/noise/noise-exposure-efes/noise-exposure-maps][2] WHO: [https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/urban-noise-pollution][3] World Health Organization: [https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/urban-noise-pollution][4] European Parliament: [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/ society/20160330STO45621/eu-reducing-noise-from-motorway-tollbooths][5] The Guardian: [https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/jul/13/how-silencing-cities-can-improve-health-and-wellbeing][6] University of Michigan: [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673615000386]

With the growing concerns around urban health and wellness, it's crucial to acknowledge that urban noise has become a significant public health issue, second only to air pollution.
To improve the health of city dwellers, we should address not only vehicle manufacturers' choices but also human behavior, such as unnecessary honking, and create quiet zones equipped with natural green spaces for relaxation and respite from the cacophony of city life.