Latest news with #END
Euronews
24-06-2025
- Health
- Euronews
1 in 5 Europeans exposed to dangerous noise pollution, report reveals
More than one in five Europeans are exposed to harmful transport noise, according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) report, making it the third most deadly environmental threat behind air pollution and extreme temperatures. Road traffic is the most widespread source of transport noise, exposing an estimated 92 million people to levels above the EU's Environmental Noise Directive (END) threshold of 55 decibels (dB) for the day-evening-night period. This is a weighted average sound level over a 24-hour period that accounts for how people are more sensitive to noise during the night. Rail traffic impacts 18 million people, followed by aircraft noise disturbing 2.6 million. The resulting physiological stress and sleep disturbance contribute to 66,000 early deaths a year and many cases of heart disease and diabetes, according to the Environmental noise in Europe report, which is published every five years and covers 31 countries. 'Noise pollution is often overlooked, considered just an annoyance of everyday life,' the EEA's executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen, says. 'However, long-term impacts of noise on our health and environment are widespread and significant.' If measured against World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, which have a slightly lower threshold of 53 dB for road traffic, closer to one in three European citizens are being exposed to risky noise pollution. Which countries suffer most from noise pollution? In terms of absolute numbers, France has the highest number of people exposed to transport noise when averaged out across day and night: an estimated 24 million people. Germany has the highest number during nighttime hours alone, with some 15 million people affected. When you look at it in terms of percentages, it's a different matter. Over 50 per cent of the population is exposed to harmful noise levels in Cyprus and Luxembourg. Populations in France and Austria also fare badly by this metric. At the other end of the scale, only three countries - Estonia, Slovakia and Portugal - are estimated to have less than 10 per cent of their populations exposed to levels above the END threshold. How can we return to a safer volume? The EU is currently off track to meet its target of reducing the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30 per cent by 2030 (compared to 2017 levels). There are several legislative changes the report recommends to pick up the pace, including: For road transport: Lowering speed limits for vehicles in urban areas, and boosting the use of low-noise tyres. For railway noise: Mandating the use of quieter braking systems, requiring better maintenance of trains and track, and retrofitting freight trains. For aircraft noise: Optimising landing and take-off patterns, and encouraging the introduction of quieter planes. Low-noise asphalt, building insulation and noise barriers are some of the measures that countries are exploring closer to people's homes. The researchers also highlight the connections between green space and noise safety. At least 29 per cent of the surface area of Europe's Natura 2000 network is affected by high noise levels from transport, they say, jeopardising the continent's conservation goals. Increasing access to green areas and keeping them quiet is key, as these spaces can provide psychological restoration and help reduce noise annoyance for people.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Officials make disturbing discovery after noticing 'unusual' bulges in man's clothing at US border checkpoint: 'Extremely dangerous'
On April 30, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered a man attempting to smuggle parrots into the United States in an unusual manner. As the Los Angeles Times detailed, a man applying for admission to California at the border was stopped after officials noticed "unusual clothing bulges" around his ankles. When the officers went to check the strange lumps, they found the man had somehow stuffed six birds into his boots in an attempt to smuggle them into the country. Upon further inspection of the man's vehicle, officials discovered a further six parrots, two of which were dead. According to the Los Angeles Times, Sidney Aki, the director of CBP San Diego field operations, said in a statement: "The smuggling of birds is extremely dangerous. Birds can also be hosts for a variety of diseases that can threaten native wildlife and U.S. agricultural industries, potentially causing widespread economic consequences." As Aki explained, smuggling birds (or any animal) can introduce new diseases to local animal populations, which can wipe out native creatures. This is because animals trafficked over borders become an invasive species in the new country. Invasive species can cause a range of problems in their new home, such as introducing deadly diseases, threatening the balance of local ecosystems, and affecting crops, with the latter impacting the human food supply. The destruction of ecological balance that invasive species can cause has an adverse effect on everything from plant life to humans. The trafficking of animals can also cause harm to the smuggled animals, as evidenced by the dead birds the CBP discovered. If the animals people traffic are endangered, any loss of life puts them further at risk of becoming extinct. Authorities detained the man attempting to smuggle birds into the U.S. for further investigation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services put the live birds he brought under quarantine. The U.S. also has legislation addressing wildlife trafficking. The country enacted the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking in 2014 and passed the Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Act in 2016. Many groups in the U.S. are taking strides to eliminate the smuggling of wildlife, too, such as the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online. Do you think we should deal with air pollution by burying things underground? Sounds great No way Only for certain waste I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The South African
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: "Nabi to be sacked!"
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly set to sack Nasreddine Nabi at the end of the season. Kaizer Chiefs ended the clubs 10-year long wait for silverware when they won the Nedbank Cup this past Saturday. Nasreddine Nabi inspired his team to a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates en route to becoming the 2025 Nedbank Cup Champions. However, despite this, reports have emerged claiming that Nabi and his whole technical team will be sacked at the end of the season. ALSO READ: CHIEFS & PIRATES – END OF AN ERA: 12 PLAYERS HEADING OUT OF SOWETO! According to TimesLive, Nabi will be sacked by Chiefs at the end of the season. Furthermore, the same reports claim that his entire technical team will be let go. This is because Amakhosi management are going to review the entire season as a whole. So, despite ending Chiefs' trophy drought, management and coaches are unhappy with Amakhosi as a whole. They are currently fighting for a spot in the MTN8. They are no where near rivals, Orlando Pirates or even in the frame yet alone the picture to qualify for the CAF Champions League. Amakhosi are not contenders for the Betway Premiership and besides this trophy they are in a similiar or worse position in the league. Therefore, the Chiefs hierachy will make a decision at the end of the season over Nabi's future based on the entire season as a whole. Ultimately, failure to finish in the top 8 will almost guarentee his departyre. Nabi has a year left in his contract but is likely to be sacked at the end of the season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Fashion Network
01-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Gundersen out, Suhl in as luxury retailer END. names new CEO
Luxury British retailer END. on Thursday announced a leadership transition with Sebastian Suhl named as its new CEO as its current chief exec exits. The company, which sells a variety of high-end designer labels but focuses mainly on streetwear and lifestyle pieces, said Suhl will be joining the business this summer. He's a fashion industry veteran and has spent the past 25 years 'developing Direct to Consumer businesses on a global scale at Prada, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and other brands'. It's a big strategic move for the firm and it said it 'helps position the company for its next chapter focused on sustainable growth and continued innovation within a dynamic, rapidly evolving retail landscape'. The appointment follows a 'comprehensive global search' and has been 'unanimously approved' by END.'s board. And what about current CEO Parker Gundersen? The statement said he's stepped down as of 1 May with CFO Karen Dracou assuming the role of interim CEO 'to ensure operational stability and maintain momentum across the company's strategic initiatives'. Chairman Martin Brok said Suhl 'brings exceptional leadership, a strong strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Parker for his contributions and leadership during his tenure, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours'.
Fashion Network
01-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Gundersen out, Suhl in as luxury retailer END. names new CEO
Luxury British retailer END. on Thursday announced a leadership transition with Sebastian Suhl named as its new CEO as its current chief exec exits. The company, which sells a variety of high-end designer labels but focuses mainly on streetwear and lifestyle pieces, said Suhl will be joining the business this summer. He's a fashion industry veteran and has spent the past 25 years 'developing Direct to Consumer businesses on a global scale at Prada, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and other brands'. It's a big strategic move for the firm and it said it 'helps position the company for its next chapter focused on sustainable growth and continued innovation within a dynamic, rapidly evolving retail landscape'. The appointment follows a 'comprehensive global search' and has been 'unanimously approved' by END.'s board. And what about current CEO Parker Gundersen? The statement said he's stepped down as of 1 May with CFO Karen Dracou assuming the role of interim CEO 'to ensure operational stability and maintain momentum across the company's strategic initiatives'. Chairman Martin Brok said Suhl 'brings exceptional leadership, a strong strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Parker for his contributions and leadership during his tenure, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours'.
