ILLUMINATING SOLUTIONS: AN OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR LIGHT POLLUTION POLICY

Abstract

The burgeoning issue of light pollution has emerged as a prominent facet of contemporary environmental concerns. In tandem with conventional pollutants such as wastewater, waste gas, waste residue, and noise, this new form of environmental disruption has gained prominence. The rapid expansion of the night economy coupled with the widespread adoption of LED technology - known for its striking luminance - in arenas like shopping malls and construction site lighting, has led to prolonged and excessively bright nocturnal illumination. This phenomenon has precipitated an escalating global challenge of light pollution. A comprehensive investigation into light emissions spanning from 1992 to 2017 has been initiated by scholars at the University of Exeter. Their discerning findings unveil distinct regional trends, yet the overarching trajectory points towards an almost ubiquitous surge in emissions. Intriguingly, there is only "limited evidence" to suggest that advancements in lighting technologies have ameliorated the issue of light pollution.