Smart design of urban green space could be an effective, affordable way to reduce city noise

A new study exploring how urban green spaces influence noise levels suggests that smarter planning could help cities tackle one of today’s most pressing environmental health threats: noise pollution.

Noise is now recognised as the second largest environmental health risk worldwide after air pollution by the World Health Organisation. Research has linked long term exposure to high levels of noise to cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, reduced productivity and mental health problems.