A streetlight right out in front of your house can make it easier to safely get in the door at night — but good luck trying to sleep without heavy curtains. That's just one example of how artificial light is useful in many aspects of our daily lives, as well as a major problem.
Our world is illuminated by more artificial light than ever before. A recent US study found that artificial light emissions at night increased by about 16% globally from 2014 through 2022, according to research published in Nature.
Areas experiencing increased brightening also saw the intensity of the light increase, by an average of 9%.
Nights are brighter than ever — especially in fast-growing regions of China and IndiaImage: Michala Garrison/NASA Earth Observatory
Too much artificial light can make us sick
