What aspect of the environment do light emissions primarily affect?

Light emissions primarily affect residential areas due to the presence of homes and communities that are directly influenced by artificial lighting. Increased light pollution can lead to various disturbances in these environments, impacting the quality of life for residents. For instance, excessive nighttime lighting can disrupt sleep patterns, affect mood, and hinder activities that rely on natural darkness, such as stargazing.

Moreover, residential areas are typically more populated, meaning more individuals are subject to the effects of light pollution, which can lead to concerns such as safety, privacy, and overall well-being. This makes residential areas particularly sensitive to the implications of artificial lighting compared to agricultural land, commercial properties, or natural reserves, which may experience different types of environmental impacts that are not as directly related to light emissions.