Why noise pollution is a nightmare for nature
There’s no place on Earth free from human sound. Let that sink in for a second. Anywhere. On. This. Earth. In the last 250 years, noise levels on land and sea have boomed, and there’s a clear explanation.
Wait, what is noise pollution?
Officially, ‘any unwanted or disturbing sounds that affect the health and well-being of humans and other organisms’. High in the sky, deep in the ocean, covering anything from traffic to construction, underwater sonar to boat engines and aeroplanes – if it’s loud and human-made, it’s in the club.
Which species are suffering from noise pollution and why?
Some species out there are feeling a bit frustrated and, in some cases, our drilling, beeping, and shouting are literally driving them to their deaths. Noise pollution doesn’t just stop species from sleeping; it causes hearing loss, stresses them out, forces them on, and covers up their ability to hear vital environmental and animal signals – like mating calls. Dating cues are sadly missed, and keen singles accidentally ghost their soulmates. Let’s take a look.
Hector's dolphin
Ever moved rooms because you couldn’t sleep? Happens. But what about moving house? Hector’s dolphins have an intense aversion to pile drivers (understandable), the noise of which causes hearing loss and forces them to find new homes. Tricky when your habitat range is already small.
Giant otter
It’s not easy being famous – and South American giant otters are particularly struggling with their ecotourism superstardom. They draw boats of tourists to their homes, but the engine noises drive them to flee like crazy, literally swimming for their lives!
Asian elephant
The subtle hum of a drone might not phase us, but Asian elephants are one of the few mammal species capable of hearing their low-frequency sounds. Their response? A stern head shake, which means they’re p*ssed off. Very p*ssed off.
Perrin’s beaked whale
These beauties can dive to up to 3000m. This seems cool, but it’s actually a problem when sonar radars are about. The sound drives them into a frenzy. Their coping mechanism? They plunge so suddenly they can die from nitrogen bubbles in the blood, which form due to rapidly changing pressure. (Image ©️: CC BY-SA 4.0; Author: Jörg Mazur)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Noise pollution, humans, and nature – where do we go from here?
We can’t live in a world without sound and noise pollution – it’s an unfortunate by-product of everyday life. That doesn’t mean we can’t try to minimise its effects. Ocean Care, an underwater noise pollution organisation, has some clear directions for protecting the ocean. Here’s what we’re thinking when it comes to land:
If you go to a park or nature reserve, use headphones instead of a speaker, or even better, settle into the sounds of nature.
Turn off appliances if you’re not using them - it saves energy and reduces noise pollution caused by busy urban streets and office complexes.
Watch your speed around sensitive natural spaces – forests, for example.
Before you go, close your eyes. Now, for a second, imagine what 24 hours of constant mining, beeping, and shouting might be like. Your neighbours, for example, cracking out a noise marathon beyond your control. Now open your eyes, breathe, and relax, safe in the knowledge we’re all looking for a better night’s sleep, just like nature.
Endangered species speaking home truths
Watch our series Animals in Therapy
A newsletter with an edge.
Subscribe and join us as we grow. Once a week, we'll share great stories about endangered species and the natural world.
On The Edge Conservation is a registered Charity (No. 1163124) and Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales (No. 09646831).