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The endangered night: the challenge of light pollution within the international environmental legal context

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  • Yana Yakushina

Abstract

Within rapid technological developments, some environmental problems remain unnoticed until it is impossible to ignore them. Light pollution caused by widespread use of artificial light at night is one of them. This article examines the nature of light pollution, attempts to justify it as a global environmental concern within international environmental law (IEL), and discusses the application of international regulatory approaches to address the issue and associated negative impacts to protect nocturnal environments for current and future generations. Drawing on the existing international environmental legal instruments, concepts, and customary principles, this research seeks to conceptualize light pollution and the protection of the night within the existing legal framework. The article provides a new perspective on what constitutes a natural environment, highlighting that IEL implies the preservation of both daytime and night-time environments. Additionally, it suggests a further path towards legal recognition of light pollution and frameworks potentially applicable to address the issue.

Suggested Citation

  • Yana Yakushina, 2025. "The endangered night: the challenge of light pollution within the international environmental legal context," Journal of Environmental Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 37(3), pages 467-491.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:envlaw:v:37:y:2025:i:3:p:467-491.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jel/eqaf025
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