Sustainable Development Goals relighted: light pollution management as a novel lens to SDG achievement

Abstract Light pollution is an often-overlooked global problem that increasingly affects human health and wellbeing, society, culture, and ecosystems. Despite its importance, light pollution is absent from the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study reviews how light pollution abatement directly and indirectly relates to the implementation of SDGs to identify potential trade-offs and key synergetic solutions. Implementation of SDGs can both help and hinder efforts to curb light pollution created by excessive, careless, or poorly timed lighting. New technologies offer opportunities for designing and implementing efficient and intelligent lighting systems, but they also risk increased and more widespread light pollution. Implementation of stringent policy measures and wide-based public awareness favouring careful use of artificial light and cultural appreciation of natural darkness is needed. Transformative resilience is suggested as a useful framework capable of addressing the long-term challenges of lighting system development.