Increased Light Pollution in the Arctic

Caitlin Dempsey

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The Arctic, a mostly remote and sparsely populated region, is undergoing significant changes due to both climate impacts and industrial development. Using satellite observations of nighttime lights, scientists are now able to map and analyze changes in human activity in this region.

A recent study published in PNAS demonstrates how nighttime light data is increasingly valuable for tracking industrial activity in the Arctic, especially during the polar night when other observation methods are less effective. These artificial lights serve as clear markers of human presence, highlighting energy use and patterns of resource extraction, infrastructure growth, and economic activity.

Mapping human activity in the Arctic

Using artificial light at night (ALAN) data derived from satellite imagery, researchers analyzed human activity across the Arctic from 1992 to 2013. Most of the artificial light comes from industrial activity, such as resource extraction and infrastructure operations. Only about 15% of artificial light is from towns or settlements.

Map showing areas of increased artificial lighting in the Arctic, with increases in yellow, decreases in purple, and no change in green, using data from the U.S. DMSP satellites. Map: NASA, public domain.
Map showing areas of increased artificial lighting in the Arctic, with increases in yellow, decreases in purple, and no change in green, using data from the U.S. DMSP satellites. Map: NASA, public domain.

Hotspots of industrial growth in the Arctic

ALAN data was used to identify industrial hotspots. The findings revealed significant growth in activity, particularly in oil and gas fields in northern Russia, Alaska, and parts of Canada. Out of 16.4 million square kilometers studied, 839,710 km² (5.14%) showed artificial lighting, with illuminated areas expanding by 4.8% annually.

Other key findings from the study include:



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Flare gas emissions: One of the most significant sources of nighttime light in the Arctic is flare gas burning, a common practice in oil and gas production. Researchers identified substantial light emissions from flaring in Russia’s Yamal Peninsula and western Siberia, where vast energy reserves are being tapped. This not only represents human activity but also a major environmental concern, as flaring releases greenhouse gases and aerosols that contribute to local warming and Arctic haze.

Seasonal variability: The study observed seasonal changes in light intensity, with winter months showing the clearest and most consistent signals due to prolonged darkness. This seasonal data helps pinpoint peak operational periods and assess year-round industrial impacts.

Link to environmental changes: The illuminated areas often overlap with regions experiencing ecological changes, such as permafrost thaw, ice melt, and habitat loss. For example, expanding infrastructure and road systems can disturb sensitive tundra ecosystems, while flaring contributes to local warming, exacerbating ice and snow loss.

Comparison across nations: The analysis found regional differences in industrial activity, with Russian Arctic zones exhibiting the most concentrated and widespread nighttime light emissions. By comparison, North American Arctic regions, such as Alaska and Canada, showed more localized but growing light signatures.

Implications for monitoring and sustainability

The research highlights the value of satellite-derived nighttime light data as a tool for monitoring industrial activity in the Arctic. As ground-based observations are often limited by logistical and environmental challenges, satellite imagery provides a consistent way to track changes over time.

The findings also underscore the environmental implications of increased industrialization. Regions with intensive light emissions from flaring and infrastructure development are at risk of greater ecological disruption. The study suggests that nighttime lights can serve as a proxy for environmental stressors, helping scientists, policymakers, and conservationists better understand the impacts of industrial growth and take steps toward sustainable management.

Arctic light pollution study:

Akandil, C., Plekhanova, E., Rietze, N., Oehri, J., Román, M. O., Wang, Z., … & Schaepman-Strub, G. (2024). Artificial light at night reveals hotspots and rapid development of industrial activity in the Arctic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences121(44), e2322269121. DOI: /10.1073/pnas.2322269121

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About the author
Caitlin Dempsey
Caitlin Dempsey is the editor of Geography Realm and holds a master's degree in Geography from UCLA as well as a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from SJSU.