Noise as a constraining factor in 21st century urbanization

Paper in proceeding, 2007

It is important to recognize that noise is a global environmental issue and is a constraining factor to the sustainable growth of humankind in the 21st century. The World Health Organization considers 'urban noise to be the third most hazardous pollution (air, water, noise).' The European Commission has stated that 'noise is one of the environmental pressures that is closest to the citizens. In public surveys, problems with noise are rated at the highest level together with global warming.' The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration considers 'noise to be the most serious problem facing the necessary expansion of the nation's air transportation system in the future.' Solutions of noise problems are technological tasks. However, it is easier to design a car that is faster than one that is quieter! Therefore, the noise issue will mean very demanding tasks for skilled engineers.