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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The noise battle at the heart of Real Madrid's stadium
Last year, tens of thousands of 'Swifties' - Taylor Swift fans - thronged Madrid to watch back-to-back concerts at the Spanish capital's famous Bernabéu stadium, home to Real Madrid, who won Europe's Champions League final less than 24 hours later, on 1 June. The mega-concert was one of dozens of high-profile gigs staged at the newly renovated stadium in 2024 to boost the club's revenue. But the project was short lived. In September all gigs were cancelled after residents living within earshot of the music filed a legal complaint over the noise. Now, nine months later, Spanish pop singer Aitana is the latest artist to switch venues from the Bernabéu to the Metropolitano Stadium – home to rivals Atletico Madrid – as the court case rumbles on. "In every concert it is exactly the same," says Enrique Martínez de Azagra, president of the neighbours' association. He and other locals say the sound from concerts like Taylor Swift's has become too much. "It is impossible to suffer this kind of noise and it affects our health, it affects migraines, insomnia and heart attacks and it is a criminal offence in our laws," adds Enrique. In Madrid, the noise levels measured by the neighbours exceeded 90 decibels regularly during the concerts. Ian Marnane from the European Environment Agency says that in Europe any level of 55 decibels or above is considered to be harmful, and continued exposure can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease such as strokes. There are also links between noise exposure and diabetes. Enrique says there is a significant difference between the noise from the concerts compared with that from football matches. He and most of his neighbours have lived in the area for decades. Many of them are life-long Real Madrid supporters and are on committees that represent the interests of the club. "Football is a sport that lasts two hours, more or less. The noise is normal. Only when there is a goal, the passion surges," says Enrique. The problem he sees with the concerts is that they spew continuously high levels of noise for long periods of hours at a time. To reduce their exposure to these high levels of noise, Enrique and his neighbours took Real Madrid to court. Sports journalist Felippo Maria Ricci believes they have a strong case. "The Bernabéu is right in the heart of Madrid. The neighbours who live there have good positions and know the right people," says Felippo. "This battle for the concerts can be quite long but at the moment Real Madrid is losing this battle." The neighbours say the city government is hesitant to resolve the issue as it benefits from the tourism and the money the concerts generate. According to local media reports, tourists coming for the Taylor Swift concerts alone spent about €25m (£21m; $28m). Filippo says that the £1.1bn renovation to make the stadium multi-purpose was supposed to provide a huge financial boost to Real Madrid. They also signed a contract with a US company selling the commercial rights to the stadium. "They spent a lot of money to develop a new system for the pitch, to take it off when they have the concerts," says Filippo. "Now all this new super system is quite useless, at the moment, all that money is gone." Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons and AC/DC are among the acts playing at the rival Atlético stadium this summer. Madrid City Council, the Mayor's office and Real Madrid have not responded to requests for comment by the BBC. Real Madrid has previously said it is trying to sound proof the stadium. According to local reports the club hired a specialist company and windows were installed in the skywalk area. When I put to the neighbours that Real Madrid is trying to soundproof the stadium, they chuckled. Enrique works as an engineer and thinks it is "quite impossible to soundproof the stadium". While the Bernabéu's roof can close, the stadium is never completely closed, as there is an open gap between the roof and the facade all the way around the stadium. The neighbours say they are not against all concerts. "We've had concerts in the past, but once a year," says Pablo Baschwitz, a lawyer and one of the neighbours campaigning for change. He recalls concerts with music legends such as Frank Sinatra and Julio Iglesias at the Bernabéu - but says having 20 concerts scheduled per year is just too much. From the roof terrace of one of the neighbours' flats the proximity to the stadium is plain to see. They point to a health centre that they say struggles to accurately measure patients' blood pressure at times because the sound waves from the concerts disturb the readings in their machines. Pablo says the concerts aren't the only problem – there are also rehearsals and sound checks during the day which disturb the local community, including schools. Luis Jordana de Pozas lives right across from the stadium, and some of the noise measurements were taken on the outside and inside of his flat. On his terrace overlooking the Bernabéu, he explains how newly added metal plates on the stadium's exterior have amplified the sound, and shows me recorded videos of the "unbearable" noise. In Madrid, the facades of the houses around the stadium are lined with banners. Draped from their windows, balconies and terraces the neighbours put their protest posters on display, reading "conciertos no" (no concerts) and "ruído no" (no noise). For now, while the case is in court, the music has stopped. Bernabeu to become 'best in world' How our noisy world is seriously damaging our health How 'Swiftonomics' is impacting the music industry
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
The Green Guide To Travel: 12 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips Every Traveller Should Know
Going on holiday doesn't mean you have to ditch your eco-friendly habits. Travel can have a big environmental impact — from flight emissions to hotel energy use — but a few smart choices can make a big difference. Whether you're heading to Cornwall for a coastal break or jetting off to Thailand, sustainable travel is within reach. By packing lighter, choosing greener transport, and supporting local businesses, you can reduce your footprint while still enjoying the trip. These 12 eco-friendly travel tips will help you tread more lightly on the planet without sacrificing comfort, convenience, or fun along the way. Here Are 12 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips You Must Know: 1. Fly Smarter, Not More Often Let's not sugar-coat it: Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the tourism industry. One long-haul return flight can emit as much CO2 as the average person in some countries produces in a whole year. When you do fly, choose non-stop flights where possible — take-offs and landings use the most fuel. Airlines like KLM and British Airways now offer carbon offsetting programmes, so consider ticking that box at checkout (though it's not a perfect solution). 2. Choose Eco-Conscious Accommodation Many hotels talk a big game about sustainability, but look for real certifications. Trustworthy labels include Green Key, EarthCheck, and LEED. Bonus points if the accommodation uses renewable energy, has water-saving features, and supports local communities. 3. Travel By Train When You Can In Europe and the UK, trains are often faster and far greener than flying. According to the European Environment Agency, train travel emits around 80% less CO2 than flying. Sleeper trains across Europe (like the Nightjet) are making a comeback, too, offering a romantic and planet-friendly way to travel. Not to forget, coach or train journeys are always so scenic! 4. Don't Treat The Hotel Like Home Just because you're not paying for the utilities doesn't mean they're free. Turn off lights, air conditioning, and electronics when you leave your room. Reuse towels and bedding rather than requesting fresh ones daily. It sounds small, but the energy savings add up. 5. Go Paperless When You Can Most boarding passes, travel itineraries, museum tickets, and maps can live on your phone these days. Going digital reduces unnecessary waste and makes it harder to lose something important mid-journey. 6. Pack Light And Right Less weight means less fuel, especially when flying. Cut down on luggage by packing versatile pieces and avoiding unnecessary extras. Bring your own reusable essentials — water bottle, coffee cup, cutlery, tote bags, and solid toiletries-to reduce waste on the road. 7. Respect Nature Like A Local Would Stick to marked trails, never feed wildlife, and definitely don't pocket souvenirs like shells or rocks from protected areas. In many destinations, even sunscreen can damage ecosystems — choose reef-safe versions that don't contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. 8. Say No To Single-Use Plastics Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have banned plastic bags altogether, and many others are cracking down. Bring your own tote bags and reusable containers to avoid getting caught out — or fined. Bonus: It's cheaper and more stylish than a flimsy supermarket bag. 9. Eat Like A Local (And Seasonal) Supporting local food markets and restaurants that source ingredients from nearby farms helps cut the carbon cost of long supply chains. Plant-based diets are generally much lower in emissions, so opting for veggie dishes — even just part of the time — makes a real difference. 10. Use Public Transport Or Walk It's not only better for the planet but also a great way to soak up the vibe of a place. Cities like Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Lisbon have efficient, low-emission public transport systems. Apps like Citymapper or Rome2Rio can help you navigate like a pro. 11. Support Local Businesses Sustainable travel isn't just about nature — it's about people too. Choose independent tour operators, artisans, and eateries that give back to their communities rather than global chains. You'll get a more authentic experience and help keep money circulating locally. 12. Offset — But Don't Rely on It Carbon offsetting isn't a golden ticket to guilt-free travel, but it can help. Projects like tree planting or renewable energy development can make a difference when properly managed. Stick with verified schemes through Gold Standard or Cool Effect. You don't have to overhaul your entire travel style overnight. Start with small changes. Choose one or two tips to try on your next trip. Sustainability isn't about perfection — it's about progress. And the more of us who care enough to try, the bigger the impact we make. After all, the planet is the most beautiful destination there is — so let's treat it like one worth visiting again and again.
The Independent
01-05-2025
- The Independent
Bucket-list beaches: Enjoy crystal-clear waters, natural wonders and secluded shores in Dalmatia
Dalmatia's coastline is, quite simply, spectacular. With the lion's share of Croatia's 1,200-plus islands, islets and reefs, Dalmatia's stretch of the Adriatic has some of the country's most beautiful beaches and seascapes. Whether you're on the mainland coast or island hopping, you'll be wowed by towering cliffs that hover over sheltered, pine-fringed coves, and broad sweeps of beaches The sheer variety of swimming spots means there's something for everyone; families in search of long stretches of beach with watersports, vibing beach bars and all the facilities to romantics looking for secluded pebbly coves to revel in tranquillity. If Croatia's beaches weren't appealing enough, the coastal waters have just been crowned the cleanest in Europe, beating holiday hotspots including Greece, Spain and Italy to be ranked number one. The European Environment Agency checked out more than 22,000 beaches throughout the European Union, and Croatia's coastal waters came out on top. In fact, out of nearly 900 Croatian beaches tested, over 99 per cent got the highest rating of 'excellent', owing to low industrial pollution, minimal over-construction and a lack of mass commercialisation. So, beyond being picture-postcard idylls, Dalmatia's beaches should be your top choice for a relaxed, sustainable holiday in a protected natural environment. To get you started, here's a selection of Dalmatia's unmissable beaches. Experience the world-renowned Zlatni Rat beach, Brač A popular inclusion in 'world's best beach' lists, Zlatni Rat (pictured above) – also known as Golden Horn – is a curvy, V-shaped beach of fine white pebbles flanked by vivid turquoise waters on the southern coast of the island of Brač. Watch the windsurfers in action as you bask in the sun, or take respite at one of the wood-shaded beach bars. Follow the coastal footpath to the seafront promenade of the much-loved village of Bol – and as it's only a 20-minute walk to Zlatni Rat, this makes the perfect base for your stay. Discover rustic charm at Murvica Beach, Brač For a more laid-back vibe and beautifully calm sea, just a few miles west of Bol is the blissful Murvica. Find a shady spot under the pines to flop after your swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, or take in vistas of Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the island. There's a delightfully rustic beach bar where you can grab a cold drink and a bite to eat, and while you'll have to bring your own parasols, you can reach the beach easily from the carpark. Be blown away by the award-winning Punta Rata, Brela Punta Rata's Blue Flag beach is used to vying for the title of Europe's top beach, and once you set foot on its long expanse of pebbles, it's clear why. This breathtaking idyll, north of the Makarska Riviera town of Brela, appears to go on forever – fringed with pine trees and surrounded by waters that offer fabulous snorkelling. Look out for the Brela Stone, a giant rock that rises from the sea and is found on many local postcards. Find secluded paradise at Stiniva Bay, Vis It takes a bit of effort to reach award-winning Stiniva Bay on the southern coast of Vis island, but it's 100 per cent worth it. Take the rocky footpath downhill to this glittering bay sheltered by two curving cliffs that almost close the cove off from the sea, with only the smallest boats able to squeeze through the gap. There's just enough room for a beachside café, with its terrace offering superb views. Paddle in the calm, cerulean waters at Stončica Beach, Vis Heading to the northeastern coast of Vis, and easier to access than Stiniva Bay, you'll find scenic Stončica Beach. Its sparkling blue waters and mix of white sand and pebble beach, shaded by woods, make this truly picture perfect. The shallow waters, with a very gradual slope, are perfect for children. Stop for lunch on the covered terrace of the waterside restaurant and feast on freshly grilled fish and meat. Tucked away on Hvar island's southern coast is the unassuming Dubovica beach – surrounded by tumbling slopes covered in maquis and olive trees. In contrast to the sophisticated beach clubs of Hvar Town, this tiny coastal treat, set in a cove beside a 17th-century church, is perfect for relaxing, while the turquoise waters are made for sea safaris. Refresh and refuel at the beach restaurant or bar. Bask in the breathtaking sunsets at Velika Duba, Makarska Riviera Back on the mainland on the Makarska Riviera, Velika Duba is a peaceful, pebbly bay backed by fragrant pines and connected to the village of Blato via a pleasantly shaded footpath. It's all about simple pleasures here: swimming in gin-clear waters, lazing in the sun, doing a bit of snorkelling, having a cold drink in the beachside bar and falling under the spell of a Dalmatian sunset.
Euronews
30-04-2025
- Science
- Euronews
From Seville to Warsaw: Industrial pollution has fallen in the EU, here's how
It is estimated that the 50,000 largest installations in the EU still account for around 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and are responsible for 20% of all air and water pollutants. These pollutants have a significant impact on human health and the environment: Fine particles (PM2.5) can enter our lungs and bloodstream, causing illness and death. NOx threatens human life and biodiversity. SOx, heavy metals and ammonia are harmful to crops, wildlife and humans. Greenhouse gases cause climate change and reduce air quality. A sharp fall in emissions Pollution caused by industrial emissions accounts for billions of euros in costs and hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in the EU every year. However, according to the European Environment Agency, environmental and health costs of European industry have decreased by a third from 2012 to 2021. The EEA says the EU energy sector has accounted for about 80% of the total decrease. According to the same study, this is mainly due to the adoption of new techniques and the shift to renewables and less polluting fuels, both changes being largely as a result of EU action. View Gallery 10 Photos New European rules The European Union recently revised its Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0), its main tool for taking action on pollution coming from the continent's largest factories and farms. Under this directive, installations have been required to comply with the environmental performance associated with the best available techniques (BAT) in their sector. A growing number of governments in the world are now seeking to adopt the same approach. These performances are decided during the 'Sevilla process', a collaborative governance model involving industry, EU Member States and civil society, which takes place at the Joint European Research Centre (JRC) in Seville. Currently, around 80% of industrial sites comply with the highest permitted emission limit values. Under the IED 2.0 directive, the competent authorities in the Member States will be required to use more stringent values when revising or establishing permits. Best Available Techniques are set to also take into account more explicitly the human health and climate protection of installations. Decarbonisation efforts The new rules aim to achieve a further 40% reduction in the main atmospheric pollutants by 2050. One aim is to confirm the trend observed in recent decades: EU industry has grown while reducing its impact on the environment, a process known as 'decoupling'. Another important aspect of the revised directive is to support innovation and guide investment to boost Europe's green competitiveness on the basis of the Clean Industrial Deal recently presented by the European Commission. In Seville, a new Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) has been set up to identify and characterise the most promising technologies for achieving circular economy and carbon neutrality. The European Union's objectives are to reach carbon neutrality and zero pollution by 2050. A new portal makes it possible to track changes in the levels of various pollutants in the different regions of Europe. The European Environment Agency considers that the EU has completed or advanced the implementation of the 33 actions announced in the 2021 'zero pollution' action plan, but that further efforts are still needed to achieve the objectives.
Irish Times
26-04-2025
- Science
- Irish Times
Life had drained from a farmer's soil. He asked for advice - and nature has made a return
Over the years, digging around in the earth of the garden has thrown up all kinds of objects wizened by time, such as fragments of glass and ceramics in various shapes and sizes, some vivid with colour after a quick clean. Steel horseshoes shaped in perfect U's have also surfaced, some small enough for a donkey, others large and wide enough to fit a workhorse. It's always enticing to hear a spade sing a note as it strikes something solid in the soil. Just a few weeks ago, after assuming we'd long since unearthed the store of everyday artefacts, we uncovered a stubby, unexpectedly weighty glass bottle with the words 'Dublin Dairies Ltd' etched across its front. It's not always about taking from the soil. On a recent visit to a farmer whose land borders the Shannon Estuary, I gathered a small bag of loose seaweed and brought it home. Ideally, it would be left to compost down before spreading, but time is against me this spring, so I took my chances and twisted and worked it into the soil along the small vegetable patch. It's the best of West of Ireland's seaweed, injecting nutrients and health into the Dublin soil, in the hope it'll soon teem with life. 'How many species on Earth live in soil?' is a question scientists haven't yet fully answered, but two years ago, a team of researchers in Switzerland offered a striking estimate: the soil is likely home to 59 per cent of all life on Earth, including 90 per cent of fungi, 85 per cent of plants and half of all bacteria. It makes soil the most nature-rich, biodiverse habitat on our planet. Scoop up a single teaspoon of healthy soil and you might find more than a billion bacteria cells and 10,000 fungi living within it. As thin skins go, soil, which envelopes the surface of Earth, has been astonishingly resilient in the face of relentless damage from human activity, including intensive chemical-based farming, overgrazing by too many livestock, large-scale clearance of trees, and 'soil sealing' with concrete in urbanised areas, transforming it into a lifeless surface. READ MORE It's resilient, yet ultimately fragile. Soil health is crumbling in the face of pressures from too many directions, and if current trends continue, 90 per cent of Earth's soils will face substantial degradation by 2050. Last year's European Soil Status Report, a collaboration between the European Environment Agency and the EU's Joint Research Centre, called for immediate action after it highlighted 'alarming state and trends, with soil degradation having worsened significantly in recent years'. Across the EU, a billion tonnes of soil a year is lost to erosion; between 2009 and 2018, 70 million tonnes of soil organic carbon were lost. Soil organic carbon, derived from the remains of plants, animals and micro-organisms (think fallen leaves in autumn), is the core of soil health. Carbon-rich soils act like giant sponges, soaking up vast quantities of water (handy in flood-prone regions) and create the ideal habitats for billions of soil creatures to thrive in, tingling and vibrating with life. Last week, the latest study by the Joint Research Centre, published in Nature, reported that soil organic carbon is at risk in many parts of European farmland, including Ireland. It underscores the urgency for farmers to switch towards methods which increase carbon in their soils. The idea is fairly simple: promote life in the soil and minimise disturbance. Since 2018, funded by public money, a small group of Irish farmers collectively known as the Danú Farming Group have been doing just that. [ Ireland is waging a war on trees at a time when we need more of them Opens in new window ] Tillage farmer Norman Dunne, who has 400 acres of beans, oats, wheat and barley in Meath, noticed that the life had drained from his soil. His father Michael spoke of how, in the 1960s, after ploughing the fields, hundreds of birds would follow his tractor, ready to eat the worms churned up in the soil. He even had to wear a hard hat to protect himself from bird droppings. But over time, as farming became more reliant on heavier machinery and more chemical fertilisers, the soil began to die. Norman asked fellow farmers for advice on how to restore life. The answers were clear: slash chemical fertiliser use, sow crops which can enrich the soil and attract insects, and limit ploughing to prevent disturbing the earth. Norman did what they suggested, and nature has made a return. Skylarks, woodpeckers, barn owls, yellowhammers and even lapwings are back on the farm. [ The unanswered questions on impact of pesticides on the health of ecosystems Opens in new window ] If our soils have any hope of recovery, we need many more farmers to do the same. Last month, a new EU-funded soil project led by the Technological University of the Shannon was launched in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. It'll work with farmers to restore their land, and they'll undoubtedly end up practising some well-worn agricultural methods from the past – rejecting widespread chemical use in favour of a renewed focus on soil biology and respecting the ecological limits of the land to produce food. As the great American farmer, poet, and essayist Wendell Berry wrote: 'When going back makes sense, you are going ahead.'
