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The Big Story

We live with lots of noise. What's that doing to us?

Oct 6, 2024
Bojan Furst, a writer and photographer from St. John's, Newfoundland, delves into the pervasive presence of noise in our lives and its profound effects. He discusses how our constant exposure to urban sounds impacts communication, not just among humans but also for marine life, particularly during quieter periods like the COVID lockdowns. Bojan shares insights into the health risks of noise pollution, social justice issues it raises, and how different countries are tackling noise regulation, highlighting successful strategies from places like Paris.
23:43

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Quick takeaways

  • Continuous exposure to urban ambient noise is linked to serious health risks, including heart disease and stroke.
  • The pandemic lockdown demonstrated how reduced noise levels could positively affect both human well-being and wildlife communication.

Deep dives

The Impact of Ambient Noise on Urban Life

Urban environments are filled with ambient noise, which includes common sounds such as traffic, construction, and everyday activities. This continuous exposure often goes unnoticed, as people become skilled at tuning out these background sounds. However, research reveals that this persistent noise can have significant long-term health effects, including increased risks of heart disease and stroke. The dramatic reduction in ambient noise during the pandemic lockdowns provided unique data to study these effects and understand how quiet environments may benefit both humans and wildlife.

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