Abstract

The problem of noise pollution is prevalent in modern urban areas and is the second most significant environmental risk after air pollution. Millions of people are exposed to noise worldwide, leading to annoyance and sleep disturbance. Thousands of children experience learning difficulties in schools due to environmental noise. Additionally, noise can have severe economic effects on society and people's health, including premature deaths. This chapter examines the primary sources of environmental noise, the metrics used to assess it, the effects of noise on society, the models used to predict and map urban noise, and the commonly used methods to reduce noise. Finally, it discusses further advancements in addressing environmental noise. © 2024