Light pollution and its cascading effects on global ecosystems
Scientia Review
Volume 2, 2026 – Issue 10
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1 Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
2 Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
Scientia Review
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2(10), 2026
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Article ID: SR01169
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ISSN: 3107-7919
Received: 29 September 2026
Revised: 30 September 2026
Accepted: 3 October 2026
Published online: 5 October 2026
Cite this article
Kumari, V., Kumari, A., Munjal, R., Kathuria, V., & Jatrana, A. (2026). Light pollution and its cascading effects on global ecosystems. Scientia Review, 2(10), 44-46
Light pollution is the excessive, misdirected, or unnecessary use of artificial light at night (ALAN). It is an increasingly pervasive but under-recognized form of environmental pollution. Beyond obscuring the night sky, ALAN disrupts circadian biology in humans, alters animal and plant behaviour, wastes energy resources, and contributes indirectly to greenhouse gas emissions. The present article highlights current evidences based on the sources, causes, multi-domain consequences of light pollution, outlines practical mitigation and policy measures. Curbing light pollution requires coordinated action across lighting design, urban planning, and regulation
Keywords: Light pollution, artificial light at night (ALAN), sky glow, energy waste, smart lighting