Connections of the light pollution issue to the un sustainable development goals

Abstract

Our study answers the question: Which targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2030) are related to the light pollution. Although, the word light pollution is not mentioned by any of the 169 targets contained by 17 Goals, we found 12 targets to be related to the problem. Nine targets operate with general terms in which light pollution can also be considered. In the case of two further targets only the other environmental loads are mentioned, erroneously without the light pollution. One further target is connected through the fact that light pollution may hinder the foreseen positive processes of the target. The presented connections of light pollution to the SDG can also be utilised also in education of the issue. Besides its main target, the paper also provides a natural classification of the 17 Goals into five classes containing 2-4 Goals. These classes are Primary needs of humans (4 Goals); Equality between humans (4 Goals); Efficient, sustainable economy (4 Goals); Landscapes in danger (3 Goals); Worldwide cooperation (2 Goals).