By Linda Briskin
According to a CBC Science article, recent research captures the ‘pernicious’ impact of noise pollution on wildlife. Noise pollution from the oil and gas industry, especially acute drilling sounds, reduced the abundance and reproductive success of multiple bird species. Graeme Shannon, a lecturer in Wales, commented: “There is no boundary for noise. It doesn’t end where the roadway ends. It’s a very pernicious form of pollution since it permeates into habitats.” On a more optimistic note, in a study in the redwood forests at Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco, hikers said they enjoyed the park more when signage reminded other visitors to keep their sound to a minimum – and allow the natural soundscape to ring clearer.
Right to Quiet member Linda Briskin sees herself as a Silence Warrior. She is passionate about silence and has been involved in various anti-noise crusades. She lives in Toronto.
Image credit
Northern spotted owl fledglings with adult, USFWS National Digital Library