Latest news with #EuropeanEnvironmentAgency
Euronews
4 days ago
- 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.
DW
4 days ago
- Health
- DW
Over 20% of Europeans exposed to unhealthy noise pollution – DW – 06/24/2025
More than 100 million people are impacted by transport noise at levels harmful to human health, the environment and economy, says a new EU report. More than one in five Europeans are exposed to unhealthily high levels of noise pollution from road, rail and aircraft, according to a report today from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Long-term exposure to the sound of traffic has been connected to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, mental illness, diabetes and premature death. Children and young people are believed to be particularly vulnerable to its far-reaching impacts, which can include educational performance and weight gain. The report finds an estimated 112 million people across 31 countries in Europe live with long-term traffic noise louder than the thresholds of 55 dB set by the European Noise Directive. That is equivalent to a residential street or a normal conversation. The number impacted rises to over 30% of Europeans when measured against stricter World Health Organization recommendations for safe levels of sound. "Noise pollution is often overlooked, considered just an annoyance of everyday life," said Leena Yla-Mononen, executive director of the EEA, but argued "it's a problem all EU Member States need to urgently address if we are to make progress on our EU 2030 zero pollution target to reduce noise pollution." The report identified road traffic as the main problem — particularly in crowded urban areas — impacting an estimated 92 million people across the continent. Only a third of the population in cities assessed have access to quiet, green areas within 400 meters of their homes. Countless studies highlight the health benefits of time spent in nature. Noise from traffic is the third biggest environmental health threat in Europe, behind air pollution and temperature related factors, according to the report. Across the continent, it results in the annual loss of 1.3 million healthy life years, which the report measures by combining years of life lost due to premature death with those lived in bad health. Environmental noise and the resulting sleep disturbance can trigger both physical and psychological stress responses associated with metabolic illness, stress and anxiety, disease and cognitive impairment. The report, which says millions suffer from sleep disturbances resulting from excessive noise, cites 66,000 related premature deaths as well as tens of thousands of cases of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in Europe each year. It highlights new research pointing at a potential connection to depression and dementia. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Too much noise is also taking its toll on the young. The authors say being blasted by the sounds of traffic is causing half a million children to experience reading difficulties and 63,000 to have behavioral challenges. It also draws a connection to more than a quarter of a million overweight young people. Humans are not the only ones distressed by the din. Wildlife is also being disrupted. Almost a third of Europe's most threatened and valuable protected nature reserves are at the mercy of roaring traffic. In Europe's waters, the noise of shipping, offshore construction and ocean exploration is impacting marine wildlife. Many species, such as whales and dolphins, rely on sound to survive. Studies have found that all animal species change their behavior in response to high levels of noise. Birds such as great tits in cities in Europe, Japan and the UK have been recorded singing higher than their country counterparts, and vocal changes have also been noted in insects, grasshoppers and frogs living near motorways. Among animal species noise pollution can disrupt mating, the rearing of offspring, and make it harder to locate prey. Noise pollution is also costing the European economy $95.6 billion (€82.43 billion) annually, through loss of productivity resulting from its health impacts. While the report focused on Europe, extreme noise can be found in all major cities, from London to Dhaka to Algiers. In New York, 90% of people using transport are subject to noise that exceeds safety limits and can lead to permanent hearing damage. Around the world, poorer communities are more likely to be located beside industrial plants, landfills or major traffic arteries, exposing them to more noise than wealthier residents in the same city. Experts have suggested noise pollution could be eased by reducing traffic, setting lower speed limits, promoting more public transport as well as electric vehicles and cycle paths. The EEA report says action needs to be taken at both the EU and national level, recommending improved access to quiet and green spaces in cities, as well as measures such as using low noise tires, regular rail maintenance to smooth tracks and optimizing aircraft take-off and landing patterns. It says without additional regulatory or legislative action, the EU is unlikely to reach existing targets aiming for a 30% reduction in the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 2030.
DW
4 days ago
- Health
- DW
Over 20% Europeans exposed to unhealthy noise pollution – DW – 06/24/2025
More than 100 million people are impacted by transport noise at levels harmful to human health, the environment and economy, says a new EU report. More than one in five Europeans are exposed to unhealthily high levels of noise pollution from road, rail and aircraft, according to a report today from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Long-term exposure to the sound of traffic has been connected to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, mental illness, diabetes and premature death. Children and young people are believed to be particularly vulnerable to its far-reaching impacts, which can include educational performance and weight gain. The report finds an estimated 112 million people across 31 countries in Europe live with long-term traffic noise louder than the thresholds of 55 dB set by the European Noise Directive. That is equivalent to a residential street or a normal conversation. The number impacted rises to over 30% of Europeans when measured against stricter World Health Organization recommendations for safe levels of sound. "Noise pollution is often overlooked, considered just an annoyance of everyday life," said Leena Ylä-Mononen, executive director of the EEA, but argued "it's a problem all EU Member States need to urgently address if we are to make progress on our EU 2030 zero pollution target to reduce noise pollution." The report identified road traffic as the main problem — particularly in crowded urban areas — impacting an estimated 92 million people across the continent. Only a third of the population in cities assessed have access to quiet, green areas within 400 meters of their homes. Countless studies highlight the health benefits of time spent in nature. Noise from traffic is the third biggest environmental health threat in Europe, behind air pollution and temperature related factors, according to the report. Across the continent, it results in the annual loss of 1.3 million healthy life years, which the report measures by combining years of life lost due to premature death with those lived in bad health. Environmental noise and the resulting sleep disturbance can trigger both physical and psychological stress responses associated with metabolic illness, stress and anxiety, disease and cognitive impairment. The report, which says millions suffer from sleep disturbances resulting from excessive noise, cites 66,000 related premature deaths as well as tens of thousands of cases of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in Europe each year. It highlights new research pointing at a potential connection to depression and dementia. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Too much noise is also taking its toll on the young. The authors say being blasted by the sounds of traffic is causing half a million children to experience reading difficulties and 63,000 to have behavioral challenges. It also draws a connection to more than a quarter of a million overweight young people. Humans are not the only ones distressed by the din. Wildlife is also being disrupted. Almost a third of Europe's most threatened and valuable protected nature reserves are at the mercy of roaring traffic. In Europe's waters, the noise of shipping, offshore construction and ocean exploration is impacting marine wildlife. Many species, such as whales and dolphins, rely on sound to survive. Studies have found that all animal species change their behavior in response to high levels of noise. Birds such as great tits in cities in Europe, Japan and the UK have been recorded singing higher than their country counterparts, and vocal changes have also been noted in insects, grasshoppers and frogs living near motorways. Among animal species noise pollution can disrupt mating, the rearing of offspring, and make it harder to locate prey. Noise pollution is also costing the European economy €95.6 billion (€82.43 billion) annually, through loss of productivity resulting from its health impacts. While the report focused on Europe, extreme noise can be found in all major cities, from London to Dhaka to Algiers. In New York, 90% of people using transport are subject to noise that exceeds safety limits and can lead to permanent hearing damage. Around the world, poorer communities are more likely to be located beside industrial plants, landfills or major traffic arteries, exposing them to more noise than wealthier residents in the same city. Experts have suggested noise pollution could be eased by reducing traffic, setting lower speed limits, promoting more public transport as well as electric vehicles and cycle paths. The EEA report says action needs to be taken at both the EU and national level, recommending improved access to quiet and green spaces in cities, as well as measures such as using low noise tires, regular rail maintenance to smooth tracks and optimizing aircraft take-off and landing patterns. It says without additional regulatory or legislative action, the EU is unlikely to reach existing targets aiming for a 30% reduction in the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 2030.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Noise pollution harms health of millions across Europe, report finds
More than 110 million people across Europe suffer high levels of health-damaging noise pollution, according to a report. The resulting physiological stress and sleep disturbance leads to 66,000 early deaths a year and many cases of heart disease, diabetes and depression. The report, from the European Environment Agency (EEA), focuses on noise from cars, trains and aeroplanes and found that 20% of the population of the European Economic Area (EEA) were affected. Separate research, using a slightly lower threshold for dangerous noise pollution, found that 40% of the UK population were exposed to harmful transport noise. Seventeen million people endure particularly high noise pollution – 'long-term, high-annoyance' – and almost 5 million suffer 'severe' sleep disturbance. Fifteen million children live in areas of harmful noise. The harm to health from noise is greater than that from higher-profile risks including secondhand tobacco smoke or lead exposure, and incurs an economic cost of almost €100bn (£86bn) a year, the analysis found. The damage to health is likely to be an underestimate, the researchers said. Using the World Health Organization's stricter threshold for risky noise pollution gives an estimate of 150 million people across Europe exposed. The EU's target to cut the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030 will not be met without further action, the researchers said. 'Noise pollution impacts our health by keeping our bodies in a constant state of fight or flight, even if we don't consciously realise it,' said Dr Eulalia Peris at the EEA. 'This can lead to harmful physiological responses such as inflammation and oxidative stress, and over time, this increases the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, cognitive impairment in children and mental health problems.' 'Noise pollution is not only an annoyance,' added Peris, who has been affected herself. 'My God, yes. I'm very aware of the impacts of noise pollution, and I'm very sensitive to it. It limits your life.' The report is based on data reported by EEA countries on transport noise, which is the most widespread and significant type of noise pollution. Other kinds, such as loud neighbours and music from bars, are also likely to damage health but are difficult to measure because of their intermittency. The report found 92 million people across Europe were harmed by road transport noise, 18 million by railway noise and 2.6 million by aircraft noise. Published research on the health impact of noise pollution was used to estimate an annual toll of 66,000 premature deaths, 50,000 cases of cardiovascular diseases and 22,000 cases of type 2 diabetes. The number of people in Europe affected by noise fell by only 3% between 2017 and 2022, but the researchers said numerous measures could be taken. Cutting speed limits for vehicles in urban areas and boosting the use of low-noise tyres would cut road traffic noise, they said, as would promoting public transport, walking and cycling. The increasing number of electric cars will reduce noise less than might be expected, the researchers said, because the key source of noise at lower speeds is from the contact between the tyres and the road, not the engine. Traffic noise is also dominated by a small number of very loud vehicles. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Railway noise could be cut by better maintenance of trains and track, and aircraft noise could be reduced by optimising landing and takeoff patterns and encouraging the introduction of quieter planes. 'Noise pollution is often overlooked, considered just an annoyance of everyday life,' said the EEA's executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen. One reason for this is that transport noise pollution is chronic, unlike air pollution which has peaks that lead to health alerts and raise awareness. 'However, long-term impacts of noise on our health and environment are widespread and significant,' she said. 'Children are also particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise, and it's a problem all countries need to address urgently.'
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Science
- Times of Oman
How dangerous are invasive insects in Europe?
Berlin: As winters become milder due to climate change, insects normally found only in the tropics are starting to feel more at home across Europe. And the speed of travel and global trade is making it easier than ever for them to make the trip — in imported wood, potted plants or simply as stowaways. But these exotic newcomers aren't exactly welcome. Experts with the European Environment Agency told DW that invasive alien species, including insects, are a "major threat to native plants and animals in Europe and are one of the five major causes of biodiversity loss." Though tiny, these pests compete with native species for resources and destabilize fragile ecosystems already dealing with pollution, overexploitation and the effects of a warming planet. They're also a serious problem for humans, spreading disease, destroying crops and costing the EU an estimated €12 billion ($13.8 billion) per year in recovery and eradication expenses. Here are just a few of the invasive insects threatening Europe. Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) The tiger mosquito, named for its distinctive white stripes, is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and was first spotted in Albania in 1979. It made its way over to Italy and France in the 1990s, and is now well-established across the Balkans, southern Ukraine, southwestern Russia and much of the Mediterranean region. But with its tough eggs and a new tolerance for cooler weather, it has also been spotted in Belgium, Germany and as far north as Sweden in recent years. The tiger mosquito thrives in urban environments, reproducing in standing water in places like flowerpots or gutters. This adaptability — along with a tendency to be active during the day — has made humans an easy target for the insect, which can feed on blood several times a day. Aside from being an itchy nuisance, those bites can transmit contagious human diseases like dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus. Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) This stinging menace, originally from eastern Asia, first arrived in France in 2004. Also known as a yellow-legged hornet, it's slightly smaller than the native European variety, has an overall darker coloring and is active during the day. It has since spread to more than a dozen European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the UK. It's not to be confused with the giant Asian hornet, also known as the "murder hornet" for its dangerous sting. Though being stung by the Asian hornet can be quite painful for humans, the greater risk is to food security and biodiversity, according to agricultural nonprofit CABI. The species preys on hundreds of crucial pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies and flies. But its main target is the European honeybee, which pollinates more than 80% of Europe's crops and wild plants. A study published in the journal Science Of The Total Environment in March 2025 found that the hornet can kill up to 50 bees a day. The Asian hornet is one of 88 species on the EU's list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, which requires member states to prevent the spread of the insect and eradicate it wherever possible. American ants (Solenopsis geminata, Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis richteri, Wasmannia auropunctata) Also on the EU's most wanted list are four species of foreign ants: the tropical fire ant, the red imported fire ant, the black imported fire ant and the little fire ant. These tiny invaders were accidentally introduced from Central and South America, with the tropical fire ant first showing up in Europe as far back as the 1860s. With its painful sting which can cause an allergic reaction, these species rapidly displace other native ant populations and disrupt ecosystems and agriculture with aggressive feeding habits. A 2023 study at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona found that 7% of the European continent was a suitable habitat for the ant, and that's likely to grow as climate change increases their habitable range. Half of Europe's cities were already vulnerable to invasion — bad news, as these ants can also damage electrical equipment by chewing through wiring and causing short circuits. Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) This extremely invasive pest from Asia is now widespread in France, Italy and Switzerland, but present across most of the continent. They are especially attracted to fruit, nuts and grapevines, but are just as happy munching on vegetables and other crops, like soy. In Italy, the stink bug caused an estimated €588 million in damage to fruit crops in 2019 alone. Farmers have traditionally fought back with insecticides, but researchers are also considering a more environmentally friendly method — pitting the stink bug against its natural enemy. The Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus), another accidental introduction from Asia, is a parasite that lays its eggs inside the eggs of the brown marmorated stink bug. The wasp larvae feed on the stink bug egg, eventually killing it. Some researchers have cautioned that relying on another foreign insect to handle the problem might end up causing more ecological disruption. But a 2023 study led by CABI found that the wasp appeared to have little impact on most native insect populations. Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) Listed among the 100 world's worst invasive alien species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this beetle is a major threat to deciduous trees and shrubs. Adults feed on leaves, stems and twigs while larvae burrow into the trunk, slowly killing a tree within a few years. Urban trees, which help to cool cities, are especially vulnerable due to their proximity to ports; in the eastern US, where the beetle arrived in the 1990s, up to 35% of the trees in cities are at risk. The insects are often introduced in wood packaging, and have been found in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Poland. But their populations are not yet widely established, and some eradication campaigns have been successful. Europe will have to learn to live with invasive species "Invasive alien insects often appear more difficult to manage than invasive plants or larger animals: They are small, mobile, reproduce rapidly, have short life cycles and often go unnoticed until the damage is done," said the EEA. While it's nearly impossible to completely eradicate an invasive insect species, the damage can be mitigated. Asian hornets have been kept at bay in some areas with special traps and by removing their nests, while researchers in Italy have recently used drones and artificial intelligence to detect and monitor stink bugs. Other methods involve stopping the insect at the source, for example by treating wooden packing with heat before shipping to kill the longhorned beetle. In some cases, it's as simple as clearing any standing water from your balcony or backyard, to stop the spread of mosquitoes. But the experts stressed that insects weren't necessarily any worse than other invasive plants and animals, noting that "each group — and each invasion case — comes with its own biological and ecological complexities."
