How can citizen science advance environmental justice? Exploring the noise paradox through sense of place

ABSTRACT

Noise, whether measured by decibel-based metrics (loudness or sound levels) or perception-based approaches (through perceived annoyance), can negatively impact human health. Low-frequency noise (LFN), which is poorly assessed by A-weighted decibel metrics, can have particularly negative health effects. Yet, due to varying human perceptions of soundscapes, sometimes sound levels and frequencies that are known to be unhealthy (often originating from mechanical, anthropogenic sources) are not be perceived as annoying noise, and vice versa. We propose a conceptual model based on sense of place theory to explain how this noise paradox arises and why it raises concerns about equitable access to healthy urban soundscapes. We hypothesize that people who hold strong environmental place meanings and attachments are more likely to value natural sounds and more likely to view mechanical anthropogenic sounds as noise; people who display strong attachment to neighborhoods primarily based on socio-cultural place meanings are less likely to perceive unhealthy anthropogenic sounds as noise pollution. Using this sense of place-based model, we highlight a citizen science-based research strategy that could be employed to discern differences in decibel-based and perception-based assessment of noise, addressing the noise paradox and evaluating implications for individuals living in diverse types of urban and suburban environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Soundscape
• acoustic environment
• citizen social science
• low-frequency noise
• Sound Around Town

Acknowledgements

The Sound Around Town project was partly supported by a sub-contract with J. Barber and C. Francis (NSF-CNH: Linked dynamics of biodiversity and human experience mediated by the soundscape #1414171), and in additional collaboration Kurt Fristrup and the Night Skies and Natural Sounds division of the National Park Service. We thank the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for assistance with the Sound Around Town website and promoting the project to museum visitors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [NSF-CHN-1414171, sound as an element in coupled natural and human systems].

Notes on contributors

Brittany Carson

Brittany Carson completed her Master’s of Science degree with a thesis about human perceptions of soundscapes where they live. She pursues an interdisciplinary approach to research that involves combining science, art, and public engagement.

Caren B. Cooper

Caren B. Cooper is an associate professor with a research lab focused on citizen science approaches to understanding the abiotic and biotic environment and human dimensions of the environment. Her research, teaching, and public engagement efforts are designed to assist sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in residential settings.

Lincoln R. Larson

Lincoln R. Larson is an assistant professor focused on conversation social sciences. He explores the connection between people and nature. His research, teaching, and outreach efforts are designed to to promote sustainable human-environment interactions and foster healthy relationships between people, parks, and nature.

Louie Rivers

Louie Rivers is an associate professor focused on the examination of risk and judgment and decision process in minority and marginalized communities, particularly in regards to the natural environment. He addresses an environmental justice gap in environmental regulation and policymaking by understanding how minority and/or marginalized populations assess or perceive a variety of environmental risks and subsequently make decisions about those risks.