Photo credit: Eugenia Sol
by Arline L. Bronzaft, Ph.D., Board of Directors, GrowNYC, Co-founder, The Quiet Coalition, and Honorary Chair, Quiet American Skies
A report by the European Court of Auditors states that noise impacts have largely been ignored by the member states of the European Union. Furthermore, by not properly monitoring noise, one cannot really assess if any progress had been made. Similarly, without noise reduction targets, it’s unsurprising that member states have not taken action to curb noise pollution.
This article notes the adverse effects of noise on health and well-being and points out that noise also impairs reading ability, something I am very well aware of. While the European Commission requested data from member states so that it could reduce noise pollution, especially from transportation, mosts members did not provide these data. Thus, how could the Commission reach pre-set goals of lessening noise? It is then suggested that the Commission should move forward and set up targets for noise reduction in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization.
We also learn that Paris has taken steps to lessen noise in its neighborhoods, like adding bike lanes and closing certain areas to traffic. One would hope that the other cities look to Paris and explore ways their cities than curb noise. On a positive note, there are groups like the European Union Against Aircraft, headed by long-time anti-noise advocate John Stewart, which are working toward a quieter environment. Stewart, with whom I spoke recently, is reaching out to other European groups and plans to set up an association that would enlarge the voices of citizens combating noise pollution.
