Conservation and Biodiversity
The Hills Are Alive, With the Soundscapes of Nature
February 12, 2025
Nature is always singing but, too often, we forget to listen over the hustle and bustle of our industrialized society. That’s why EARTHDAY.ORG is proud that our Associate Director, Aidan Charron, will be a judge on the Sound of the Year Awards. We’re partnering with the event to present the Best Natural Sound Award, celebrating the beauty and significance of the natural world’s many melodies.
Serene Soundscapes
When it comes to environmental awareness, we often hear the phrase “seeing is believing,” that witnessing the planet’s wonders fosters gratitude. But what about hearing? The power of sound to deepen our connection with the magic of nature — whether consciously or not — is undeniable.
Through the field of bioacoustics—the study of natural sounds—we have come to recognize the extraordinary symphony of our shared planet. That’s why sleep machines and relaxation apps often feature natural soundscapes, such as the pitter-patter of raindrops, the ocean’s tides, rustling leaves on a breezy day, or the gentle coo of a Mourning Dove. Yet, this profound appreciation of nature’s orchestra is a relatively recent development.
The Ballad of the Birds
“Spring now comes unheralded by the return of the birds, and the early mornings are strangely silent where once they were filled with the beauty of bird song.”
These words from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962) ignited a newfound sense of environmental consciousness, warning of the devastating toll of pesticides on wildlife. Carson’s trailblazing and poetic work wove together humanity’s awe of nature with the harsh reality of man-made ecological destruction. The fear of a “sudden silencing” of the low, sweet bird song compelled individuals and communities to defend the natural world, kickstarting momentum within the modern environmental movement.
Lullabies from the Deep Blue
Perhaps one of the most renowned examples of bioacoustics is the hauntingly beautiful whale song. These melodies serve as a vital mode of communication for whales and have also been adopted by humans to induce calmness. In fact, they became popularized through their usage during childbirth to soothe anxiety and pain. But whether you’ve recently gone into labor or not, the chirps, clicks, and whistles of the whale song have likely lulled you to sleep at some point or another.
Studies show that whale sounds stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to regulate emotions and alleviate physical tension. These healing sounds emotionally resonate with humans, forging a soulful connection between us and the creatures of the deep. So when we hear the pulsed vocalizations of these underwater songs, all we can do is surrender to their soothing call.
Noise Pollution’s Deafening Repercussions
But nature’s music is increasingly under threat. Much of the natural world relies on sound, yet human-generated noise is disrupting ecosystems at an alarming rate. Clamorous construction projects, airplane traffic, and the ceaseless hum of roadways are drowning out Earth’s natural songs.
Marine life uniquely suffers from noise pollution caused by recreational boats and the shipping industry. Many underwater species rely on sound for communication, and the intrusion of artificial noise has led to devastating consequences. Whales, for instance, have been separated from their pods due to noise disturbances that disrupt their migration routes. Similarly, deforestation and logging have altered the soundscapes of rainforests, signaling a decline in biodiversity.
Humanity’s relentless production of artificial sound is not just a nuisance — it is severing our ability to coexist harmoniously with nature. By decoding animal communication and even deciphering plant language, we could unlock critical insights into interspecies survival and better understand the impact of human activity. Yet, noise pollution is just one part of a larger crisis: climate change.
A Symphony at Stake
According to soundscape ecologists, the climate crisis is altering Earth’s “natural acoustic fabric,” affecting sound-sensitive organisms in both marine and terrestrial environments (Trends in Ecology & Evolution). The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is making it harder for wildlife to engage in fundamental behaviors reliant on sound, such as navigation and predator avoidance. Rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems are further diminishing the world’s natural soundscape.
As humanity continues to push planetary boundaries, climate change threatens the very essence of bioacoustics. The loss and homogenization of biodiversity demand urgent attention, necessitating increased ecological sound monitoring and conservation efforts. Yet, addressing noise pollution requires a fundamental shift in human behavior. The question remains: Are we willing to make the necessary sacrifices?
Tune in to the Sound of the Year Awards
Amidst environmental uncertainty, one thing is clear: natural soundscapes have the power to reconnect us with Earth. More than ever, we must embrace our interdependence with the animals, plants, and ecosystems that sustain life. By leveraging bioacoustics as a tool for restoration, we can help regenerate damaged environments and build resilience against climate change.
Have you captured a sound worth preserving? A moment that encapsulates the wonder of the natural world? You’re just in time. Submissions for the Sound of the Year Awards, presented by the Radiophonic Institute and Museum of Sound, are open until February 28, 2025.
