Cost-wise, eco-friendliness, and overall performance, a drone show is generally more expensive, kinder to the environment, and superior to fireworks. - Drones shows and fireworks can vary greatly in cost, but generally speaking, drone shows tend to be pricier, greener, and offer a more elaborate visual experience compared to traditional fireworks.
In Place of Firework Displays: Weighing the Costs, Environmental Impact, and Practicality of Drones and Light Shows
In the summer months, debates around firework displays heat up, particularly in locations like Mainz during the Johanningnacht and "Rhein in Flammen." As concerns about the environment and drought become more pressing, organizers are increasingly considering alternatives to traditional fireworks, such as drone shows and light displays.
The question remains: Should events forego fireworks altogether? This year, Mainz's traditional Johanningnacht will feature a music-accompanied drone show instead of fireworks. Though the costs are approximately double, similar shifts are being observed in Koblenz's "Rhein in Flammen" and Schiersteiner Hafenfest in Wiesbaden.
This change is not solely driven by environmental concerns, as fireworks contribute to environmental pollution and waste, especially through chemicals such as perchlorate. The risk of fires during dry periods also heightens the need for caution. However, the fireworks industry argues that these substances are water-soluble and only present a problem for a short duration each year.
The feasibility of drone shows for smaller events is another major consideration. While they are generally more expensive, costing anywhere from $15,000 to over $500,000 depending on the scale of the display, they offer greater adaptability in terms of size and customization compared to traditional fireworks.
However, drone shows present their own set of challenges, including susceptibility to wind and rain. Their production process is also not particularly eco-friendly.
In balancing the financial and environmental factors, organizers must weigh the costs of drone shows against the classic spectacle of fireworks. For some, a combination of the two – drones for symbolic or logistical purposes and fireworks for their magic and historic significance – may offer a compelling solution.
In Koblenz, the decision to supplement fireworks with drone shows has been greeted with enthusiasm, as critics of the firework displays raised concerns over noise and environmental pollution. As technological innovation and environmental consciousness converge, events like "Rhein in Flammen" could serve as pioneers in the integration of drones and light shows, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional firework displays.
Sources:[1] https://www.drone-shows.org/en/project/drone-show-rostock[2] https://www.fireworks.co.uk/prices[3] https://seedglobal.com/impact/case-studies/drone-shows-mitigate-carbon-emissions-during-event-period[4] https://www.natureserve.org/media/News-Release---NatureServe-NatureVest-and-PCL-Inc-Announce-New-Partnership-to-Reduce-Carbon-Emissions,-Support-Climate-Resilience-at-Sustainable-Development-Projects/download/1077
- Organizers exploring alternative options to traditional fireworks, such as drone shows and light displays, may find the contemporary lifestyle of technology-driven entertainment aligns perfectly with the community policy of environmental conservation.
- In the realm of general-news and sports broadcasts, discussions often revolve around the advancements in technology and its impact on various aspects of life, making it natural to consider technology-driven solutions like drones in lieu of fireworks.
- The entertainment industry, increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, can benefit from integrating technology like drones and light shows into events like Mainz's Johanningnacht, Koblenz's "Rhein in Flammen," and Schiersteiner Hafenfest in Wiesbaden, promoting a greener lifestyle while preserving the magic and historical significance of fireworks.
