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Tracking Sound, As Silence Becomes Extinct
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 2, 2010
Modified Feb 2, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 2, 2010
Modified Feb 2, 2010
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Did you hear the sounds of silence are nearly behind us? According to audio ecologist Gordon Hempton, quiet spaces world-wide are being taken over by noise. Newsweek reports that the sonic scientist believes silence in our world "is rapidly disappearing, even in the most remote places." So how many are left? Fewer than a dozen in America, and zero in Europe!
According to his book, back in 1983 he found 21 places in Washington state that were noise-free for 15 minute intervals (and where natural silence reigned for many square miles), and by 2007 that number was down to 3. Even in national parks it's rare to get more than 5 minutes of silence anymore. Hempton says that humans and planes are at the top of the blame list, and if you want to preserve silence, then you can STFU and contact members of Congress, telling them to support your right to quiet (ie: ask the FAA to re-route aircrafts around national parks).
On the other side of the sound spectrum, the Smalls Street Sounds is actually cataloging noise. Their interactive project captures what they dub "diverse and inspiring" sounds nationwide. Here in NYC you can hear a woman talking about her rash while waiting in line, or listen to one person's walk through the hall of the Met, or eavesdrop on a beer order. Yes, even the internet is getting louder by the day!
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extinct
Gordon Hempton
noise
silence
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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