50 years of noise protection: Successes and challenges

Noise can have a physical and psychological impact on health. Source: Martin Schmied / UBA |
Noise is not only annoying – it can also make people permanently ill and, at worst, even lead to heart attacks and strokes. This is why the UBA has been dealing with noise since its foundation. It has always played a key role in the development and implementation of measures to protect against noise in Germany and Europe. On the occasion of our 50th anniversary in 2024, we are taking a look back.
Much has been achieved since 1974. Today, we know quite precisely the effects of noise and how much noise is acceptable in terms of health. The regularly conducted UBA Environmental Awareness Study, noise impact studies and the noise mapping of the EU Environmental Noise Directive show which noise sources affect people the most. Thanks to the efforts of the UBA, machines and equipment that repeatedly led to complaints in 1974, such as lawnmowers, construction machinery and municipal vehicles, are now much quieter. However, there is still a great need for action when it comes to road traffic. Around one in four people in Germany are exposed to more road traffic noise than what is acceptable from a health perspective. Car engines have become much quieter due to regulations, technical progress and better insulation. On the other hand, there are significantly more, larger, heavier, faster and more powerful cars on the roads today than there were 50 years ago.
The UBA's work on noise effects and noise reduction ranges from traffic, machinery and products to industrial plants. Since its foundation, the UBA has been researching and promoting innovative technologies and methods for noise reduction in order to create and further develop customised advices, guidelines and laws. In some cities, for example, there are now so-called “quiet areas” that are protected by law. The UBA also assesses the noise impact of each new flight route at airports in Germany to minimise the impact of aircraft noise on local residents.
The past 50 years have been characterised by significant milestones in noise protection. Nevertheless, there is still “a considerable need for action on a local, national and European level to significantly reduce the risk of people becoming ill from noise,” UBA President Dirk Messner points out. The anniversary of the German Environment Agency is therefore not only an occasion to celebrate, but above all a call to continue our joint efforts. In the future, the UBA will continue its work to make the environment more liveable and quieter for future generations.