LED Lighting

That depends on who “we” refers to, Mildred, and you’ve made no attempt to define it.

It also depends on what you are measuring. After all, it could be kWh at the electricity meter, or the drop in level of the fuel tanks in the vehicles involved in getting the stuff shipped to and from the market, or the kWh of the market building and over what period, or it might be the kWh involved in mining the materials and fabricating them. You also need to be comparing it with something that you haven’t stated. Candles? Filament bulbs?

Let's say the entire earth for argument's sake.

Well there are a number of ways of looking at global energy consumption. It would be the devil’s own job of identifying what fraction is attributable to this particular feature. Is one to compare it with Diwali?

Probably depends on electric rates as well as the cost of the LEDs themselves.

Another thought: Thanksgiving was early this year. Maybe more people got out earlier to install displays.

And maybe more people craved that extra bit of light this year. After years of saying I'd put up lights and not doing it, I took the time over Thanksgiving and got it done. No LEDs, but I have a very modest display.

Per the study you cite "The efficiency of LEDs is essentially what makes them environmentally friendly,” said Jamie Fox, principal analyst, lighting and LEDs group, IHS Markit.

I say LED lighting is, without a doubt, a major contributor to greatly increased light pollution. I guess it depends on which side of the environmental fence you are.

Yes, it comes down to that its all about compromise.

Consider the source, "TreeHugger.com" The article is terribly flawed, making many unsupported assumptions and drawing conclusions based on them. Somehow I keep thinking "Luddite" after reading it a few times while trying to find any useful references/data.

Please! I can't believe that anyone here has such a backward opinion of reality. (OK, there are SOME here who will agree with you)

I did not base my statement on the Tree Hugger article.

Energy-saving LEDs boost light pollution worldwide - Phys.org

Switching to LED lighting to save energy has created a new problem ...

The Lost LED Revolution: Light Pollution Is Increasing - Sky & Telescope

LED Bulbs Are Making Light Pollution Much Worse - Latest Stories

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I'd be interested to see any publications that refute these.

No, the Luddites are now running the federal government!

Coal oil may come back into vogue soon.

Hey Lyn, my comments were not aimed at your comments, just the original posting! Handling all the variables in this argument would take more cells than Excel can handle, and would make a great PhD dissertation.

Sorry if I overreacted but, while the savings of LED lighting is very attractive, over the long haul, that same attractiveness has led to over use of the technology which contributes to light pollution.

Doctors issue warning about too-bright LED streetlights | FOX 61

And, let's face the fact that unbiased, factual "news" is all but extinct.

OP was talking about energy consumption (and cost). Light pollution is something else. If a bulb is more efficient, at least you get more light pollution for your buck!

The table represents a GENERAL comparison of three most common types of bulbs.

Below are some satellite photos showing the increase in light coming from the earth's surface. How much of this is caused by LED lighting is impossible to determine.

nps.gov576 × 399Search by image

It's also impossible to determine worldwide usage vs energy consumption of LEDs only.

Interestingly, Iceland uses the most electricity per capita of any country in the world, and the US is ranked 10th.

"... How much of this is caused by LED lighting is impossible to determine....''

Perhaps you are willing to provide a proof or perhaps a good link supporting your claim of impossibility.

"... are we consuming more or less energy due to the switch over to LED lighting? ..."

The odds are in favor of consuming more energy even though LED lights are typically relatively efficient.

People don't always (or necessarily even often) throw out their old set of lights when they have purchaced new lights. Many households go full lumens to the wall for celebrations, bringing every available string and bulb into the mix.

The populations is growing. Additionally the number of people gaining wealth enough to afford more than the basics is growing more rapidly than population. There is also growth in membership of religions that promote holiday season celebrations and many agnostic and athiest people don't feel precluded from celebration with lights.

Probably growth in wealth of low income families world wide as well as the spread of culture inclusive of celebrating with lights will keep the energy consumption from lights growing at a strong pace, regardless of LED lumen per watt efficiency gaines.