THE INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY

Darksky's policy and technical initiatives advance the adoption of effective lighting practices and influence standards worldwide. In 2024, darksky empowered communities, governments, and professionals with tools, data, and strategic partnerships to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky. During international dark sky week 2024, darksky advocates and delegates secured 117 official proclamations from local governments and communities, recognizing the importance of protecting natural darkness. These proclamations were granted from more than 200 applications submitted globally, reflecting an expanding recognition of light pollution as a public policy concern. To support regulatory change, darksky released new codes and statutes templates, offering model language to guide communities and professionals in crafting effective ordinances that reduce light pollution while improving lighting quality. In europe, darksky played a leading role in a campaign supporting the european light pollution manifesto, which aims to integrate light pollution into environmental policy frameworks that safeguard biodiversity, public health, and energy efficiency. At the u.s. Federal level, darksky endorsed the dark and quiet skies act of 2024, a proposed u.s. Bill to establish a center of excellence to address the impact of satellites on the night sky and support innovation in light pollution mitigation. Scientific research continued to inform and strengthen policy through the annual state of the science report, which added 527 new peer-reviewed references in 2024, bringing the total to over 5,000. These resources provide a foundation for evidence-based decision-making around the world. Darksky's influence also grew within the professional lighting sector. A memorandum of understanding signed with the luci association, an international network of cities on urban lighting, marked a significant step toward aligning quality lighting practices with environmental responsibility. The agreement was announced at luci's annual conference, where darksky delivered the keynote address, signaling a broader cultural shift toward sustainable lighting in urban environments.