Vega Astronomical Association – reducing energy consumption and light pollution

CSO: VCSE
Area: Communication / Awareness raising / Collaboration with municipalities
Location: Sothern Hungary

Type of project

Light pollution is a complex problem: it is significant in terms of energy waste, environmental protection, safety, health and culture. That is why its treatment is also complex, requiring cooperation from several areas. Although its effects have been thoroughly explored by science, it has not entered the public consciousness as a factor threatening the habitability of the Earth, its resources, sustainability, wildlife and human health. That is why it is of paramount importance to inform the public and decision-makers that this problem exists and requires urgent attention. The biggest mistake we make is not to recognize the damage we cause – or even to try to understand it. As they say: “the one who covers up the problem makes the problem worse”.

Reducing energy consumption is key to the depletion of the Earth’s resources and the fight against climate change. Electricity generation is still largely based on fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases, or from dangerous and finite sources such as uranium, the waste of which would need to be safely stored for millennia – a problem that is currently unresolved. One of the most significant, yet little-known areas of unnecessary energy use is excessive public and decorative lighting, or light pollution. This is one of the most recently recognized forms of environmental pollution and energy waste, which has not yet become part of the public consciousness, although it also has health risks, so it is important to start a public dialogue about it. Our target group is primarily the 14-35 year old age group, who can influence decision-making in the coming decades. We present the effects of light pollution in a clear and well-reasoned way on online platforms, telescope demonstrations and stargazing tours. We also train volunteers who can effectively carry out awareness-raising activities in their communities. We intend to distribute information and awareness-raising materials on the topic to local governments in Hungary electronically.

Target (Disengaged)

The primary target group of the project is the “non-committed” groups defined by the application guidelines, i.e. those people who, for various reasons, do not consider the issue of climate protection important or do not have sufficient information about the importance of the topic. Based on the experience of VCSE, directly addressing these groups is a challenge, as they usually do not participate in traditional educational events, therefore the project has developed a special strategy to address them: we primarily want to involve young people, who indirectly reach the non-committed groups by transmitting information to their families and communities. In this way, young people will be both target groups and intermediary partners in the project.

Science – Based

The project places great emphasis on a scientific approach and the presentation of results in a clear, popular scientific format. All our activities are supported by a solid scientific background, but during communication we pay particular attention to ensuring that information reaches the target groups in a clear, easily digestible format. This is especially important in the topic of light pollution, where presentation using simple illustrations and visual communication tools can be key to raising awareness.

When compiling various expert (e.g. heat warning plans) or educational and communication materials, we aim to draw from credible, preferably up-to-date sources, with appropriate references, preferably with a source indication (by providing a link collection for more information). During the implementation of the project, we strive to present scientific results that present a problem and the related solution options using understandable, everyday and tangible examples.

Gender

The project emphasizes the importance of gender equality in the success of climate action. Although the gender dimension is not a primary objective of the project, we recognize that increasing the participation of women and girls is not only a matter of equity, but also of effectiveness in shaping attitudes. Research shows that women can have a significant impact on shaping family and community thinking about climate change, so we consider it important to promote women’s leadership and active participation at all stages of the project. To support this, we will keep a separate record of the participation of women and girls in project activities (including speakers, students, and volunteers).

Planned activities

Reducing unnecessary energy consumption is vital in addressing the depletion of Earth’s resources and climate change. Electricity is still largely generated from fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases, or from finite and hazardous sources like uranium, whose waste remains an unsolved issue. A key area of energy waste is excessive public and decorative outdoor lighting—commonly known as light pollution. Despite its harmful environmental and health effects, light pollution is one of the least recognized forms of pollution and rarely enters public or political discourse. Our goal is to change this. We aim to raise awareness of light pollution’s impacts through clear, engaging communication targeted especially at 14–35-year-olds—the generation who can shape future decisions. Using social media, telescope demonstrations, and stargazing tours, we will present the science and consequences of light pollution in an accessible way. We also plan to train volunteers to advocate for smarter lighting and energy use in their communities. We plan to distribute a summary to the Hungarian local governments (via e-mail) to inform the about the problem and to call their attention to it. 

Astronomy summer camp expected – multiple times and locations: Expected results: – training and education of instructors, tour leaders, amateur astronomers, – acquisition of detailed professional knowledge about light pollution, – acquisition of science communication techniques, – awareness and understanding of the seriousness of the problem of light pollution, – personal experience of the sky with minimal or less light pollution for the sake of authentic later communication, sidewalk astronomy events (telescope demonstrations) 40 times, Expected results:

– reaching approx. 4000 people (residents of settlements, tourists), who have different attitudes towards climate change and its origins

– awareness campaign on light pollution, raising awareness of the presence of the problem

– conducting a survey with questionnaires on prior knowledge of the presence and severity of the problem, as well as on the change in opinion as a result of the awareness campaign,

In our Facebook group (Astronomy enthusiasts, approx. 33,000 members) a survey at the beginning and end of the project, to learn about their involvement, views and depth of knowledge on the topic of light pollution

– a collection of announcements, information, professional background materials and related links on the VCSE website

Expected results:

– reaching approximately 1,000 amateur astronomers aged 10-99

– reaching those interested in astronomy and science (~32,000 people)

– attracting the attention of climate skeptics with targeted sharing and advertising (minimum of 15-20,000 people on Facebook and YouTube)

Action model

Our project pays special attention to cooperation with local governments, authorities and institutions. The involvement of local decision-makers is essential to achieve sustainable changes, especially in order to tighten local and national regulations. Our goal is to present to decision-makers the scientifically based negative effects of light pollution, as well as the economic, health and environmental benefits of sustainable solutions. To this end, we will send them information material electronically.