The Chinese mainland is taking a significant step towards improving urban living by planning to establish a unified, automatic sound environment quality monitoring network nationwide starting January 1, 2025. This ambitious initiative aims to control noise pollution, a concern closely related to people's daily lives and well-being.
While the primary objective is to record and manage unwanted noise, the automatic monitoring equipment will also capture natural sounds such as bird calls, insect chirps, frog croaks, and the sounds of wind, rain, and thunder. This dual recording capability presents a unique challenge in accurately evaluating actual noise conditions, as the presence of natural sounds can influence the perception and assessment of noise levels.
By integrating the monitoring of both artificial and natural sounds, the Chinese mainland aims to create a more comprehensive understanding of its urban soundscapes. This approach not only addresses the reduction of noise pollution but also highlights the importance of preserving natural auditory elements in increasingly dense urban areas.
The success of this network could set a precedent for other nations, blending technology and environmental considerations to foster healthier, more harmonious living spaces for their residents.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com