NOISE/NOTES (June 2021)
By Eoin A. King, NNI Editor
NNI is on Facebook and Twitter. We try to keep our readers informed with noise news from all across the globe by highlighting interesting research and projects. Here is a roundup of some of the stories that have been making headlines. Follow @NNIEditor to stay up to date with all noise-related news!
UECNA Launch Aviation Briefing
UECNA (Union Européenne Contre les Nuisances Aériennes/European Union against Aircraft Nuisance) is the only Europe-wide organization that represents airport communities at the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. UECNA also aims to support these communities with expert advice and the sharing of best practice and information through their network: https://www.uecna.eu/. In May they launched their first Aviation Briefing, a newsletter to keep readers informed of aviation developments at a European level.
The European Commission recently adopted the EU Action Plan “Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil,” entitled “Pathway to a Healthy Planet for All.” The action plan is accompanied by two staff working documents, one on zero pollution monitoring and outlook and the other on digital solutions for zero pollution. It sets out an integrated vision for 2050: a world where pollution is reduced to levels that are no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, as well as the steps to get there. The action plan sets key 2030 targets to reduce pollution at source, and includes a target related to noise—to reduce the share of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30%.
Dronelife recently reported on a really cool idea—a new USPTO patent application from Sony proposes using drones for noise cancellation. The idea is to use a networked system of drones, equipped with specialized audio equipment, to cancel out the noise of the environment and develop a virtual noise cancellation barrier. In this way the drones could create a mobile quiet zone…imagine the possibilities!
The International Year of Sound Extended through 2021
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Year of Sound has been extended beyond 2020, through the year 2021. Here is an interesting article from the International Science Council highlighting the importance of sound and related sciences and technologies for all in society.
Just for Fun…Lego and 10,000 Tiny Instruments
The Guardian (United Kingdom) reports on Lego White Noise—an album made by Lego (yes, that Lego), spanning 3 hours and 29 minutes, which provides recordings of someone building with Lego. It is a streaming-only album, which is described as a collection of soundscapes designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness. You should check it out.
Ever wonder how you would sound on Mars? NASA has developed a playlist outlining the subtle differences between the sounds on Earth versus how they would sound on the Red Planet. Grab your headphones, sit back, and have a listen.
Here is another article, this time from the BBC, outlining the now very well-established links between exposure to noise and adverse health effects. We can only hope that articles like these will elevate the issue of noise so it is no longer considered a forgotten or ignored pollutant.
