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Nighttime Light Pollution Disrupts Carbon Cycle, Urges Action

11/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Cranfield University researchers find artificial light at night disrupts the carbon cycle in North America and Europe.
Nighttime illumination increases carbon release from plants, animals, and microbes without increased photosynthesis, producing a net carbon loss.
The effect covers about a quarter of Earth's land and remains absent from climate models.
Researchers urge action to reduce light pollution through lighting design, which could boost energy efficiency, public health, and the environment.

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Story summary

Cranfield University researchers find artificial light at night disrupts the carbon cycle in North America and Europe.
Nighttime illumination increases carbon release from plants, animals, and microbes without increased photosynthesis, producing a net carbon loss.
The effect covers about a quarter of Earth's land and remains absent from climate models.
Researchers urge action to reduce light pollution through lighting design, which could boost energy efficiency, public health, and the environment.