An interesting new study into an effect of light pollution has found that it increases the amount of carbon released by ecosystems. Artificial light increases ecosystem respiration - when plants, animals and microbes release carbon dioxide - without a corresponding rise in photosynthesis.
With around a quarter of the Earth's land exposed to artificial lighting at night, the result is reduced carbon storage in ecosystems across continents, with major implications for climate models and ecosystem functions. However, the authors also note that, unlike most climate stressors, light pollution can be cut 'almost overnight' through better lighting decisions. Widespread influence of artificial light at night on ecosystem metabolism | Nature Climate Change
Johnston, A.S.A., Kim, J. & Harris, J.A. Widespread influence of artificial light at night on ecosystem metabolism. Nat. Clim. Chang. 15, 1371–1377 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-025-02481-0