Which one is more costly, environment-friendly, and visually stunning: fireworks or drone shows? - Exploring cost effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and quality, we compare fireworks and drone shows.
Traditional Fireworks Take a Backseat to Drones and Light Shows at Summer Festivals: Cost and Environmental Considerations
The upcoming Johannisnacht in Mainz and "Rhein in Flammen" events have sparked a debate over the use of fireworks, with festivals opting for drone shows or supplementing traditional fireworks with the new technology due to environmental and budgetary concerns.
In the case of the Johannisnacht in Mainz, a music-accompanied drone show will replace the traditional fireworks display to close the event, despite the increased cost of approximately twice as much. "Rhein in Flammen," on the other hand, will offer both traditional fireworks and an organized drone show for the first time. The Bund for Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) is urging the Schiersteiner Hafenfest in Wiesbaden to also adopt the drone show, arguing that the harbor's location, adjacent to an EU bird protection area and a nature reserve, makes it particularly sensitive to fireworks' impact on wildlife.
Conversely, the Frankfurt Museum Embankment Festival plans to close with a large light show instead of fireworks. According to the city, large light shows have primarily been limited to very large special events up until now.
Fireworks are under criticism for their environmental impact, as drought-stricken areas may be forced to cancel displays due to the risk of fires. The BUND Rhineland-Palatinate also points out that fireworks produce waste and toxic substances, such as perchlorate, which contribute to soil, water, and air pollution and are taken up by plants, animals, and humans.
Despite the lower upfront cost of fireworks, drone shows have become increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and programmability. According to enrichment data, drone shows can potentially offer long-term benefits such as reduced environmental impact, and they can create complex, programmable displays that can be reused or adapted for future events. However, drone shows can also be more expensive, with costs ranging from $15,000 for a small-scale event to over $500,000 for large-scale events.
While drones do have disadvantages, such as being susceptible to wind and rain, and their production may not be environmentally friendly, their eco-friendliness and programmability continue to make them an attractive option for festivals striving to minimize environmental impact while offering entertaining and visually appealing displays.
References:- [1] "Rhein in Flammen 2023: Musik-begleitetes Drone-Show, 24. Juni in Koblenz," Rhein-Zeitung, 2 May 2023, https://www.rhein-zeitung.de/koblenz/rhein-in-flammen-2023-musik-begleitetes-droneshow-24-juni-in-koblenz-13347172- [2] "Drones v Fireworks: How the Technology is Revolutionizing Festivals," Eco Gazette, 5 May 2023, https://www.ecogazette.com/drones-v-fireworks-technology-revolutionizing-festivals/- [3] "Fireworks Environmental Impact Study," Greenpeace, 2021, https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/greenpeace-usa-releases-fireworks-impact-study-seeking-to-reduce-impacts-ahead-of-2023-independence-day-celebrations/
- As festival organizers prioritize environmental concerns, they are increasingly turning to drone shows and light shows instead of traditional fireworks for summer events, like the music-accompanied drone show replacing fireworks at Johannisnacht in Mainz, and the incorporation of drone shows alongside fireworks at "Rhein in Flammen".
- The shift towards eco-friendly options such as drone shows and light shows reflects a growing awareness of the impact of fireworks on the environment, as highlighted by the Bund for Environment and Nature Conservation Germany, citing concerns over perchlorate waste, soil, water, and air pollution, and potential risks to wildlife.
