Dark-Sky International (DSI) has published its "Artificial Light at Night: State of the Science" report for 2023. The report condenses the contents of over 300 scholarly papers into a short, easy-to-read summary that makes it easier for non-specialists to understand. The results are grouped into seven broad categories: the night sky; ecological impacts; human health; public safety; energy use and climate change; light and social justice, and space light pollution.
The negative effects of artificial light at night are clear, as light pollution increases around the world. Kaikōura (pictured) is applying to become an International Dark Sky Sanctuary to protect its precious night skies from light pollution.
Overall, the report finds evidence of significant harm to the night sky and wildlife ecology from light pollution on local to global scales. DSI hopes the report will be useful to advocates and the public to help understand what research results tell us about light pollution and help others recognise the significance of the problem.
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve (pictured) was designated by DSI in January 2023 and protects 3,665 square kilometres of night sky. It paves the way for new certifications in the future. Image credit: Glen Butler.
The report can be downloaded here: www.zenodo.org/record/8071915
Find out how you can help reduce light pollution here: