Chapter 8 – Conclusions and Future Directions

This chapter offers reflections on the current state of knowledge in the area of environmental noise pollution. In doing so, it provides an overview of recent progress in understanding environmental noise pollution, its modelling, measurement and assessment as well as its relationship to human health and well-being. In addition, limitations of existing knowledge in these areas are highlighted as well as the potential for future improvements that could assist improving understanding of environmental noise pollution and how it can be controlled. Future research priorities are laid out specifically within the context of the noise modelling and mapping and the future implementation of the Environmental Noise Directive.