Noise pollution poses a long-term risk to tree populations and plant diversity that may persist even after the sources of excess noise are removed, according to research published Wednesday. Researchers in the United States looked at tree populations in New Mexico that had been exposed to a high level of artificial noise for 15 years. “The effects of human noise pollution are growing into the structure of these woodland communities,” said Clinton Francis, biology professor at California Polytechnic State University and study co-author. “I definitely think noise pollution, and other sensory pollutants like light, are under-accounted for in mitigation measures,” she said. Phillips said the study could help inform governments about noise pollution can indirectly impact biodiversity due to “mutualisms” or inter-linked effects between species.

Source: The Guardian April 14, 2021 11:26 UTC