Impact of Light Pollution on Human Rights and Biodiversity

Abstract

The goal of the present document review was to analyze and propose alignment of the criteria regarding practical and legal measures to mitigate light pollution, a phenomenon which affects health, quality of life, healthy and balanced environments, spatial rights, and biodiversity. Excessive lighting is a common phenomenon in cities and towns, becoming an environmental problem which must be reviewed and analyzed. This problem represents the situation faced by the global population, and is manifested in scientific studies. These diverse studies and results suggest that socio-legal criteria must be aligned to mitigate the social phenomenon of light pollution, which is exacerbated by a lack of consciousness in the population, together with creating prevention and control policies in line with international standards and the UNESCO 2030 SDGs. We also recommend reaching agreements between various key fields (science, politics, education, economy, business and society) to make inhabitants take responsibility for the existence of this phenomenon, in order to make the public aware that this phenomenon exists. 

Received: 9 July 2023 / Accepted: 27 November 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024