On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Week of Wonder: Can we save the quietest places in the world?
Jul 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, sound recordist Matt Mikkelsen, director of Wilderness Quiet Parks, explores the urgent need to preserve our planet's dwindling natural soundscapes. He takes listeners on a journey through the auditory richness of the Ecuadorian Amazon and the serenity of Wilderness Quiet Parks. Matt highlights the impact of noise pollution on ecosystems, human health, and social equity. Personal anecdotes, including a thrilling encounter with lightning while recording, emphasize the beauty of silence and the importance of protecting our quietest places.
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Quiet Places Are Extinct
- Quiet as it once was is now nearly extinct due to human noise pollution globally.
- Remaining quiet places offer rare insights into pristine natural soundscapes before industrialization.
Seahorses Show Noise Stress Effects
- Seahorses exposed to loud aquarium noise showed increased stress responses and altered physiology.
- Elevated cortisol and reduced growth indicated chronic noise stress damage.
Health Impacts of Noise Pollution
- Chronic noise triggers human stress responses increasing risk for heart disease, anxiety, and other health problems.
- Noise pollution disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities near industrial facilities.