Tackling noise pollution in climate adaptation and mitigation: planetary health benefits towards a net-zero future

Noise pollution is a planetary health problem. This perspective article sets out to provide a high-level summary of recent scientific evidence on the impacts of noise pollution from transport on human and the natural environment. Beyond annoyance and sleep disturbance, evidence has indicated that traffic noise is associated with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic outcomes, mental health and neurological health. Current estimates of the burden of ill health due to noise pollution are likely to underpredict the true impact as newer evidence emerges. Furthermore, current net-zero policy discussions tend to be dominated by strategic priorities such as population mobility, economic growth, and air pollution. Noise is often overlooked or only considered after problems arise. We explore the intersections between noise pollution and climate strategies relating to transport, natural environment, housing and building, and offer insights into some of the potential benefits and caveat to human health, in a planetary health perspective.