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entire world is affected by artificial light pollution (99% of the population in Europe) with substantial
consequences to the natural environment.

Causes and types of Light Pollution (https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/)

Light pollution is a side effect of industrial civilization. Its sources include building exterior
and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and
illuminated sporting venues. The fact is that much outdoor lighting used at night is inefficient, overly
bright, poorly targeted, improperly shielded, and, in many cases, completely unnecessary. This light,
and the electricity used to create it, is being wasted by spilling it into the sky, rather than focusing it
on to the actual objects and areas that people want illuminated.

Components of light pollution
include:

Glare – excessive brightness that
causes visual discomfort
Skyglow – brightening of the night sky
over inhabited areas
Light trespass – light falling where it is
not intended or needed
Clutter – bright, confusing and
excessive groupings of light

Source:
https://www.darksky.org/light-
pollution/

Source: https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-in-context/light-pollution

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.
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