The evolution of a lexicon for Sustainable Acoustics
Peter Rogers · NOISE-CON proceedings · 2023
Articulating how sustainability and acoustics fit together has been a challenge, with acoustics facing the image problem that it can't solve climate change or global overcrowding of the planet, creating a perceived lack of importance in the big picture. This paper focuses on understanding the ubiquitous nature of acoustics is central to a sustainable future, relying heavily on acoustics solutions as a tool to tackle problems faced by humanity on land, air, water. Sound has provided humanity's first early warning system and listening from space is an example of exactly how acoustics can do more in its many areas of influence, when considering healthy cities, natural capital and the need to monitor and adapt to extreme events. Lindsay's Wheel has served acoustics well, explaining how such a broad field connects up, but is in isolation from the central existential threats humanity now faces in climate change and determining what sustainable living for humanity means for the future. To evolve and expand the understanding of how acoustics can help deliver sustainable outcomes a new version of the lexicon is proposed, intended to aid the paradigm shift and acceleration needed of acousticians to engage in the local and global solutions needed.