Comparing Costs, Environmental Impact, and Quality: Fireworks versus Drones Displays - Which option costs more, offers more environmentally-friendly alternatives, and delivers a superior spectacle: fireworks or a drone show?
Article: Weighing the Costs and Impact of Drone Shows Against Fireworks for Summer Festivals
As summer festivals kick off, the debate over fireworks vs. drone shows continues to heat up. With drought concerns and environmental issues at the forefront, are drone shows or light shows the ideal alternative for future events?
The traditional Johannisnacht in Mainz and "Rhein in Flammen" events have opted for alternatives this year. Mainz will feature a music-accompanied drone show instead of fireworks, while Koblenz will add an organized drone show to their traditional fireworks display. Wiesbaden's Schiersteiner Hafenfest is hoping for a reduction by opting for a drone show, given the event's sensitive location due to its proximity to an EU bird protection area and a nature reserve. In contrast, Frankfurt's Museum Embankment Festival will stick with a fireworks display and music to close the event.
The environmental concerns associated with fireworks have prompted the Bund for Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) to issue warnings about potential cancellations due to the ongoing drought. Fireworks produce waste and toxic substances, such as perchlorate, contributing to soil, water, and air pollution. The fireworks industry argues that these substances are water-soluble and only pose an issue for ten minutes each year.
The fireworks themselves are generally considered weather-independent. However, the final decision on the ship convoy and fireworks always involves close consultations with participating security organizations like the police and fire brigade.
Fireworks have negative impacts on wildlife, especially birds and mammals, which flee in panic and may perish. In the breeding season, these effects can be particularly severe, as nests may be abandoned, eggs may cool, and parents may be separated from their young. Fireworks also frighten dogs and cats.
Drones and light shows require a substantial budget. Thomas Fischer, managing director of Beisel Pyrotechnik in Wiesloch, cites budget constraints as a major factor, as his company organizes around 100 fireworks displays a year. A show with 50 or 100 drones can quickly become monotonous, and 5,000 to 10,000 drones are too expensive for many organizers. Most therefore opt for fireworks.
Stefan Weil, creative director and managing director of Atelier Markgraph, suggests combining drones and fireworks to create a more impressive show. Drones can conjure symbols, logos, and messages into the sky, but they lack the magic of fireworks and the sound of rockets. For an abstract light show, fewer drones may be needed.
Despite budget constraints, drone shows are generally considered eco-friendly, offering an 87% reduction in carbon footprint compared to fireworks. They do not produce smoke, noise pollution, or hazardous waste, making them a more sustainable option for festivals. Fireworks have significant environmental impacts, including air and noise pollution, and can cause stress to local wildlife.
Koblenz's city council faction of the Greens views the decision to prioritize drone shows over traditional fireworks as a step toward reducing fine dust and noise pollution. However, there are concerns in the event industry about the use of drones, as they are relatively susceptible to wind and rain and may not fly well under adverse conditions. Additionally, their production is not especially eco-friendly.
In summary, while drone shows may cost more for large-scale events, they offer a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional fireworks. Organizers may consider a combination of drones and fireworks to create a more impressive show while minimizing their environmental impact.
- The environmental-science community advocates for drone shows as an alternative to fireworks at summer festivals due to their eco-friendly nature, exhibiting an 87% reduction in carbon footprint and omitting smoke and hazardous waste.
- As a growing trend in event management, lifestyle choices and policy considerations, such as those concerned with employment (employment policy), are increasingly shifting towards promoting environmental-science-oriented activities (science), like drone shows, rather than traditional fireworks to minimize environmental impacts (impact of drone shows, environmental impacts of fireworks) and reduce pollution (reduction in fine dust and noise pollution).
