We live in a noisy world, and much of that noise is produced by humans. Traffic, machinery, electronics - it's a constant noise barrier. How does our noise affect the animals around us? Unlike us, they can't wear ear plugs, close a window or turn off the stereo. Recent studies show that our increasingly noisy world has negative effects on a range of animals, in a variety of habitats.

When we begin to add artificial and unknown noises to the natural soundscapes, this can alter the acoustic environment of these marine and terrestrial habitats. This can cause various problems. It can affect an animal's ability to hear or make it difficult to find food, locate mates and avoid predators. It can also affect its ability to navigate, communicate, reproduce and participate in normal behaviours. Interest in how sound affects wildlife has intensified over the past decade, as more and more studies begin to explore how these behavioural changes could affect flow not only for individual animals and their populations, but for entire ecosystems.

Some of the ways in which noise can reduce traffic pollution are by developing quieter roads and cars; installing noise barriers around major traffic areas; lowering speed limits; educating drivers; and implementing the relevant legislation to gradually reduce noise. Other strategies include using better materials; better site planning; and detailed environmental assessments prior to the construction of houses and industrial sites are authorized, with follow-up assessments once construction is completed.

resourcehttps://www.science.org.au/curious/earth-environment/noise-pollution-and-environment