Noise in Europe 2014

Publication Created 15 Dec 2014 Published 18 Dec 2014
EEA Report No 10/2014
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Noise pollution is a growing environmental concern. It is caused by a varied number of sources and is widely present not only in the busiest urban environments, it is also pervading once natural environments. The adverse effects can be found in the well-being of exposed human populations, in the health and distribution of wildlife on the land and in the sea, in the abilities of our children to learn properly at school and in the high economic price society must pay because of noise pollution. The European soundscape is under threat and this report sets out to quantify the scale of the problem, assess what actions are being taken and to scope those that may need to be considered in the future, in order to redress the problem.

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Figures used

Quietness Suitability Index (QSI) and Natura 2000 Quietness Suitability Index (QSI) and Natura 2000 The map shows the index of suitable quiet areas across Europe combined with the Natura2000 protected areas
Major airports with more than 50 000 movements/year Major airports with more than 50 000 movements/year The map shows European airports with more than 50 000 movements per year. Noise is associated with many human activities, but it is road, rail and air traffic noise that has the highest impact. This is particularly a problem for the urban environment; about 75 % of Europe’s population lives in cities, and traffic volumes are still on the rise. Country reviews show that the number of complaints related to environmental noise is increasing in many European countries.
Urban areas with more than 100 000 inhabitants Urban areas with more than 100 000 inhabitants The map shows the European urban areas with more than 100 000 inhabitants. Noise is associated with many human activities, but it is road, rail and air traffic noise that has the highest impact. This is particularly a problem for the urban environment; about 75 % of Europe’s population lives in cities, and traffic volumes are still on the rise. Country reviews show that the number of complaints related to environmental noise is increasing in many European countries.
Land cover classes affected by noise contours of Warsaw Chopin airport Land cover classes affected by noise contours of Warsaw Chopin airport The map shows the affected land cover classes by noise contour map area of dB >55 Lden of Warsaw Chopin airport. Noise is associated with many human activities, but it is road, rail and air traffic noise that has the highest impact. This is particularly a problem for the urban environment; about 75 % of Europe’s population lives in cities, and traffic volumes are still on the rise. Country reviews show that the number of complaints related to environmental noise is increasing in many European countries.
Quietness suitability index (QSI) Quietness suitability index (QSI) The map shows the index of suitable quiet areas across Europe

News and articles

Road traffic remains biggest source of noise pollution in Europe Road traffic remains biggest source of noise pollution in Europe With an estimated 100 million Europeans affected by harmful levels, road traffic is by far the largest source of noise pollution in Europe, according to a new assessment published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today.
Noise pollution in the spotlight Noise pollution in the spotlight In April, the European Environment Agency will help raise awareness of the growing problem of noise pollution across Europe. We discussed with Colin Nugent, an EEA noise pollution expert, the very real health impacts of noise which are often underestimated.
Transport and public health Transport and public health Air and noise pollution from transport cause a wide range of health problems, with road transport and diesel vehicles in particular the biggest contributors. The European Union and its Member States are taking a series of measures to reduce the impact of transport on health with some success. Innovative solutions and local action can improve the situation further.
A quarter of Europe’s population exposed to harmful traffic noise A quarter of Europe’s population exposed to harmful traffic noise More than 125 million Europeans could be exposed to levels of road traffic noise above legal guidelines. This causes a range of health problems, according to a new assessment from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

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For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/noise-in-europe-2014 or scan the QR code.

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