Belford Roxo is a city located in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With a population of approximately 500,000 people, Belford Roxo is the third-largest city in Baixada Fluminense, after Duque de Caxias and Nova Iguaçu. The city is located 21 kilometers away from downtown Rio de Janeiro and covers an area of 79 square kilometers.
At night, Belford Roxo is illuminated by a wide range of sources, including streetlights, commercial buildings, and residential areas. The city's night lights are particularly concentrated in the downtown area, where a large number of commercial buildings and street vendors are located. These lights create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that is characteristic of urban centers in Brazil.
However, the city's night lights are also a source of light pollution, which has significant impacts on the environment and the health of the city's residents. The main sources of light pollution in Belford Roxo are streetlights, commercial lighting, and residential lighting. Additionally, the city's proximity to Rio de Janeiro and other densely populated areas in Baixada Fluminense increases the amount of light pollution that reaches Belford Roxo.
One of the most well-known landmarks in Belford Roxo is the Chico Mendes Park, a large green area that provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species, and is a popular destination for birdwatching and hiking. At night, the park is illuminated by streetlights and security lights, which help to provide a sense of safety and security for park visitors.
In terms of industry, Belford Roxo is home to a number of manufacturing and service-based businesses, which contribute to the city's economy. However, these businesses also contribute to the amount of light pollution in the city, particularly in industrial areas where bright lights are necessary for safety and production purposes.
The habits of the people living in Belford Roxo also contribute to the amount of light pollution in the city. For example, many residents leave their outdoor lights on all night, which not only wastes energy but also contributes to light pollution. Additionally, the use of bright, colorful lights for holiday decorations is common in Belford Roxo, particularly during the Christmas season.
Overall, the amount of light pollution in Belford Roxo is moderate to high, with the downtown area being the most heavily affected. While the city's night lights create a lively and energetic atmosphere, they also have significant impacts on the environment and the health of the city's residents. Efforts to reduce light pollution in Belford Roxo include the use of energy-efficient lighting technologies, education campaigns aimed at reducing wasteful lighting habits, and stricter regulations on outdoor lighting.