Sound Pollution: A Growing Threat to Sustainable Development Goals

By, Syafiqah Amalin

Sound pollution, often overshadowed by other environmental issues, is emerging as a significant challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Sound pollution is defined by World Health Organisation (WHO) as excessive or harmful levels of noise that disrupt human and animal life, sound pollution is increasingly prevalent in urban areas due to traffic, construction, industrial activities, and recreational noise. WHO warns that prolonged exposure to noise above 65 decibels can lead to health problems, including stress, hearing loss, and cardiovascular diseases. For university students and urban residents, noise pollution is a daily reality. It disrupts academic performance, sleep patterns, and mental health, significantly impacting well-being and productivity. Under SDG 3, sound pollution poses a direct threat to mental and physical health. Noise-induced hearing loss is now the most common permanent disability globally, affecting millions of people annually. For SDG 11, managing noise pollution is critical for making cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable. Poor urban planning and inadequate regulations exacerbate the problem, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where residents often live closer to noisy industries or highways.

Impact on Health and Well-being

The health impacts of sound pollution are alarming. Studies show that long-term exposure to high levels of noise increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and even premature death. In addition, chronic stress caused by noise has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The WHO estimates that noise pollution contributes to over one million healthy years of life lost annually due to its impact on public health. On a societal level, sound pollution disrupts daily life, reducing quality of life in noise-heavy areas. People living near airports, highways, and industrial zones experience higher levels of stress and sleep deprivation, which can lead to social problems such as decreased work productivity, strained relationships, and community dissatisfaction.

Call for Action

To combat sound pollution effectively, policymakers must strengthen noise regulations and invest in sustainable urban infrastructure. Collaboration between governments, institutions, and communities is essential to raising awareness and implementing long-term solutions. By recognizing sound pollution as a barrier to sustainable development, we can ensure healthier, more resilient communities in the future. It’s time to turn down the noise and turn up our commitment to sustainability. 

The Role of Universities 

Universities are taking steps to address sound pollution through research, awareness campaigns, and sustainable campus initiatives. Environmental science students at several institutions have launched projects to monitor noise levels on campus and suggest mitigation strategies such as sound barriers and green buffers. In addition, universities play a key role in educating communities about sound pollution. Workshops and outreach programs highlight its impacts and encourage individuals to adopt noise-reducing behaviors, such as using public transport or limiting the use of loud devices.***