Keeping an eye on noise

A new Eye on Earth application is to be launched by the European Environment Agency (EEA), tracking noise levels across Europe.

Following the successful implementation of Water Watch and Air Watch, Noise Watch will help the many millions of people across the EU who are exposed to damaging levels of noise.

Figures suggest at least 100 million European citizens are exposed to damaging noise levels, which can serious implications on health. High levels of noise can cause heart disease, cognitive problems and tinnitus, while prolonged expose to even low levels of noise can trigger hypertension and disrupt sleep.

Eye on Earth has transformed the way in which we can view environmental data. The EEA Combines official information with ‘crowd sourcing’, which allows the public to upload their own observations. There will also be a NoiseMeter app that will be available on many supporting phones.

Eye on Earth aims to make environmental issues more palatable by bringing them to a local level, making them more relevant for citizens.

It can also prove to be a useful tool for policy makers, who can visualise environmental issues to support environmental policy.

Posted by Lauren Steadman