Demonstrating Sonic Smog Levels
Climate activists from Possible, a U.K.-based environmental charity organization, have unveiled data visualizations showcasing noise pollution levels in the cities of Paris, New York, and London. These visualizations are an effective means of raising awareness about the issue of noise pollution in these cities.
The data visualizations depict noise pollution levels across the cities as shades of purple, with darker colors representing higher levels. They include audio recordings to provide a realistic demonstration of the noise levels in each location.
According to the visualizations, some areas in each city have high levels of noise pollution. New York, for instance, is reported as the noisiest city among the studied locations, scoring 134 out of 150 in a study evaluating traffic congestion, noise pollution levels, population density, nightlife, and tourism. Its urban soundscape includes the constant wail of sirens, subway screeches, and an unblinking nightlife, making it extremely loud despite a population density lower than some European capitals.
Paris appears comparatively quieter in direct anecdotal comparison with certain U.S. cities. A resident in Providence (a noisy U.S. city) noted that central Paris was quieter than Providence, indicating that Paris's noise levels are lower than some U.S. cities notorious for noise pollution.
London’s noise pollution specifics are indirectly indicated through aspects like transport noise and air quality of the London Underground. While there is no direct score on noise, the London Underground is noted to have poor air quality with high particulate pollution, which could indirectly correlate with acoustic pollution issues in transit areas. Noise in London also results from infrastructure and nightlife, but it is not ranked as high as New York City’s noise levels.
The data visualizations serve as a starting point for further research and action on noise pollution in Paris, New York, and London. They are a valuable resource for urban planners and policymakers working to address noise pollution. The visualizations are a testament to Possible's commitment to using data visualization as a tool for environmental advocacy.
The data visualizations of noise pollution in Paris, New York, and London are now available for public viewing online. Climate activists encourage citizens, governments, and businesses to take steps to reduce noise pollution in these cities. The visualizations can be accessed easily for comparison and further study.
- The data visualization in the study depicts the data of noise pollution across Paris, New York, and London using shades of purple, with darker colors representing higher levels of noise pollution.
- The data visualization also includes audio recordings in each location to provide a realistic demonstration of the noise levels.
- As environmental science and data science intersect with technology, these data visualizations serve as a valuable resource for urban planners and policymakers working on addressing climate-change issues, such as noise pollution, in Paris, New York, and London.
