More than 110 million people across Europe — or more than 20% of the population — are exposed to dangerous levels of transport noise that threaten human health, the environment, and economic stability, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report released today (24 June).
The EEA's Environmental Noise in Europe 2025 report reveals that progress in reducing exposure to harmful noise has been slow and warns that the European Union’s zero-pollution goal of cutting noise-related disturbance by 30% by 2030 is unlikely to be achieved without stronger national and EU-level action.
Road traffic is the most widespread source of noise pollution, affecting around 92 million people with day-evening-night sound levels above 55 decibels — the EU’s health protection threshold. Railway and aircraft noise also impact millions, particularly in urban areas and near transport hubs.
Using World Health Organization guidelines, the EEA estimates that more than 150 million people — more than 30% of Europeans — are exposed to long-term transport noise levels considered unhealthy. Prolonged exposure is linked to severe health consequences, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health issues, type 2 diabetes, and even premature death.
The report estimates that transport noise leads to 66,000 premature deaths, 50,000 new cardiovascular disease cases, and 22,000 new type 2 diabetes cases each year. Children are particularly at risk, with more than 560,000 affected by impaired reading comprehension and nearly 272,000 cases of childhood obesity linked to noise exposure.
Economically, the burden is also severe: environmental noise is responsible for at least €95.6 billion ($110 billion) in annual losses, or 0.6% of Europe’s GDP.
Meanwhile, nearly 30% of Natura 2000 protected areas face noise levels that threaten wildlife behaviour and biodiversity.
The EEA calls for urgent measures to reduce transport noise, including stronger regulation, investment in quieter infrastructure, and urban planning that prioritises health and environmental wellbeing.
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The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
As climate pressures and urbanisation accelerate worldwide, governments are increasingly investing in smart cities and villages to build more sustainable and resilient communities. Across the world, digital technologies are reshaping how cities and rural areas are planned and managed.
The UK is experiencing potentially record-breaking temperatures after forecasters confirmed some areas reached highs close to 34°C on Monday.
More than 100 people were killed in a violent storm that battered India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with rain and hail, the state Disaster Management and Relief office said on Thursday.
Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.
Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.
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