“Is this life worth a bang”? I am an ornithologist and I will explain to you what happens to birds during New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve, long awaited and celebrated, is approaching. While for many it is a festive occasion, for animals, domestic and wild, it represents one of the scariest and most dangerous moments of the year.

The fireworks, with their glare and roar, transform the night of the 31st into a nightmare for many living beings. If for pets such as dogs and cats the greatest risk is panic, which can lead them to run away and get lost, for wildlife stress can be lethal.

This reality is remembered by ornithologist Rosario Balestrieri, who launched an appeal on social media highlighting the serious effects that New Year’s Eve explosions have on wild birds. Citing scientific data, Balestrieri explained how the phenomenon has devastating consequences, accompanying his message with a touching photo of a bird found dead

Every year, the tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve with fireworks brings with it a tragic toll on wildlife, especially birds, and the environment. Various research has highlighted the serious effects of this practice. A 2017 study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates that around 100,000 birds die annually from fireworks in Switzerland, while a 2002 analysis in the Journal of Ornithology puts the figure at as high as 200,000 in Germany. Adverse effects include increased heart rate, release of stress hormones, and disorientation, which are often fatal.

In Italy, although there are no official data, an even greater impact can be hypothesized. Many birds winter in Mediterranean countries, concentrating especially in urban environments, where the use of barrels and fires is particularly widespread. The most affected species are blackbirds, robins, sparrows and doves. In addition to birds, dogs, cats and other pets also suffer: many flee in fear and often never return to their families.

Air pollution represents a further problem. Fireworks release nitrogen and sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and heavy metals. A 2022 study by ARPA Lombardia revealed that 6% of total PM10 emissions in Lombardy come from fires that exploded on New Year’s Eve.

Despite the inclusion of the protection of biodiversity in the Italian Constitution, a contradiction persists between the commitment to environmental protection and the persistence of these traditions. A change of direction, towards more conscious and sustainable celebrations, would represent a fundamental step towards reducing environmental impact and safeguarding wildlife. For the future, we hope for an explosion of common sense.