Research on Light Pollution Risk Assessment Model Based on AHP-EWM

Abstract

In the past ten years, municipalities and private light users worldwide have installed light-emitting diodes in urban spaces and public streets to save energy. Yet an increasing body of research suggests LED create more light pollution. Light pollution is threatening us. By combining AHP and EWM, a light pollution risk assessment model is developed, considering 20 factors in 5 categories, including physical properties of lamps, natural conditions and economic development. The model divides the light pollution risk score into 5 intervals. The light pollution risk assessment model is applied to Shennongjia, China (protected land), Wanrong, Laos (rural area), Chiang Rai, Thailand (suburban area) and Tokyo, Japan (urban area). The calculated light pollution risk scores and grades are 0.11 (good), 0.23 (good), 0.45 (moderate) and 1.3 (very unhealthy). The paper also proposes some intervention strategies to suppress the adverse effects of light pollution.