Should fireworks be banned due to their environmental risks?

Fireworks are loved by so many people as a sign of celebration and a vibrant way to kickstart their new year. Yet as the infamous firework season approaches, could it finally be time to start reevaluating these environmentally harmful light shows?

The origin of fireworks dates back over 2000 years to ancient China, where concoctions of predominantly gunpowder were tied to bamboo sticks and released with a bang, with the intent of scaring away evil spirits. As the idea spread to Europe, fireworks were adapted visually to become colourful symbols of celebration. The novelty, combined with their collective enjoyment, has made them popular for events like New Years Eve or Diwali. However, as society has become more environmentally conscientious, the question has been raised as to whether the use of fireworks should be reconsidered as an outdated practice.

To understand the adverse effects of fireworks on the environment, we need to consider the various chemicals used to create their explosions. Gunpowder typically consists of fuels like charcoal and sulphur, oxidisers like potassium nitrate, and colourants like copper compounds which create a blue effect.

Fireworks release several of the six major pollutants, making them undisputably part of the problem

Often, additional chemicals such as carbon and aluminium are included, which provide the explosions with more varied colourants and increased stability. The combustion reaction caused by the combination of these chemicals releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Not only is there typically a 20-30% rise in air pollution levels during celebrations in the UK, but light shows also have a negative effect on lakes and rivers. The oxidisers, known as perchlorates, typically dissolve in liquid, which can contaminate large bodies of water and affect local fish development.

While these effects may seem relatively small-scale, occurring predominantly during holiday periods, it is uncertain whether a few minutes of human enjoyment can justify the relatively extensive environmental damage that occurs.

Despite this, a study in London discovered that the amount of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide produced from a display was only around 1/300th of that produced by the various forms of transport bringing people to and from the event. This statistic suggests that the scale of the firework problem pales in comparison to other negative factors affecting the environment, such as transportation.

However, even if the scale of the pollutants released are not statistically huge, firework displays do contribute to the significant issues of contamination and pollution due to the release of harmful chemicals. Fireworks release several of the six major pollutants, making them undisputably part of the problem. The human release of these contaminants is rapidly accelerating the pace of global heating by damaging the ozone layer, affecting wildlife and human health alike with changes to climate and weather patterns. While the effect is only temporary, studies suggest that wildlife within a 5-mile radius of firework displays can experience heightened stress.

There is substantial evidence that our festive traditions can be retained while minimising the environmental outcome

Regardless of their overall impact, fireworks are an easier target for environmentalists than most harmful practices. As objects used for pleasure rather than necessity, alternatives can be considered without overwhelming inconvenience. Reconsidering non-essentials like fireworks can help decrease the scale of our pollutants released and so would be a step in the right direction in protecting the globe.

Many eco-friendly alternatives to fireworks have already been considered. In Disney World Orlando, the light shows take a sustainable approach, using cleaner burning materials and compressed air rather than gunpowder. Alongside this, the use of drone shows is increasing, such as in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

There is substantial evidence that our festive traditions can be retained while minimising the environmental outcome. Human celebration does not need to disrupt either the climate or local wildlife – while light shows can continue, we should consider reviewing how they are conducted.

As individuals, it is easy to assume that the issue is out of our hands, however there are several actions that can be taken this firework season to help reduce the detrimental effects. We could consider attending different events, such as music shows or other forms of celebration during the festive season. It is also important to avoid hosting your own firework displays – attending larger gatherings minimises the total pollution of these holidays overall.

In these ways, fireworks can be compromised to both maintain our celebrations, while keeping them safe for the planet.