May 01, 2026
A new study has found that the use of artificial lights in the night has increased internationally, causing the Earth to become brighter than before. However, according to researchers, while the total nighttime brightness has increased by 16% during the period between 2014 and 2022, this change varies across regions. Based on the study conducted with the help of satellite information, the usage of artificial lights in regions affected by war, such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, has decreased, while lighting in developing regions such as Southeast Asia has substantially in creased. Additionally, policies that encourage energy conservation have decreased the use of lights in Europe.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sea turtle hatchlings follow natural light like starlight and moonlight to move towards the ocean. However, artificial lighting due to urbanisation often misguides them.
Image for representational purposes
