Any environmentally-conscious individual is aware of the problem pollution creates for our delicate environment, and its direct impact on the health of our oceans and lands. However, the consequences of noise pollution are somewhat lesser known, even though they can have an equally detrimental impact on ecosystems around the world.
Noise pollution is much more than animals being unable to hear each other, although that is part of the problem. The effects of noise pollution reach far beyond communication, and can even begin to impact land and marine animals and birds’ hunting patterns, which could lead to major shifts in food chains, migration patterns, and more.
Thankfully, by being aware and using their voice to advocate for the health of our planet, professionals with sustainability expertise can help reduce noise pollution caused by human activity. Keep reading to learn more about using a Master’s in Sustainability to combat noise pollution.
The Impact of Noise Pollution Explained for Students Taking a Masters in Sustainability
Scientists have conducted countless scientific studies that look at the impact of noise pollution on the environment. In most cases, the correlation between noise pollution and animal behavior is obvious and undeniable.
In our oceans, low and high frequency noises have been shown to increase the rates of mass whale stranding events, reduce the ability for marine mammals to communicate, and even cause deadly injury to invertebrates. On land, noises from cities and highways may cause animals to divert their usual behavior, change the times of day they hunt and mate, and more.
While it may seem like noise pollution only affects the animals hearing the unnatural noises, the changes in behavior these animals make as a result of this problem can create a destructive chain reaction that completely changes and alters ecosystems. For example, some noise pollution may cause certain predatory animals to flee an area, which allows prey species to grow in numbers and become invasive. This can have a catastrophic impact on the natural balance of the food web in a particular area.
Reducing Noise Pollution for a Healthier Natural World
The fight to reduce noise pollution has a long road ahead, but using your Masters in Sustainability, you can help advocate for this cause. There are many actions that can be taken to work towards a healthier future for our planet. The key is conveying the urgency to key stakeholders, organizations, governments, and change makers.
There are countless ways to reduce noise pollution. For our oceans and rivers, laws that limit the maximum allowable decibels that may be emitted by ships can make the oceans quieter for whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Building highways so that they don’t pass through key migration or resting areas of animals or creating structures that block out the sound of cars can also help ensure that wildlife on land don’t change their behavior in order to avoid noise.
The Earth needs passionate and committed individuals to stand up for its health. After earning your sustainability degree online, you’ll have the specific skills you need to identify environmental issues, participate in strategic community planning that lessens the environmental impact of human development, and to act as a forward-thinking change leader.
Did you know graduates of our sustainability master’s online program go on to lead efforts that change the world for the better?
Contact Unity College Online to learn how you can get started on your path towards a gratifying career.
