Environmental impact of circuses

Circuses can have significant environmental impacts through resource use and waste. They require transportation, often involving trucks, which contribute greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The manufacture and disposal of costumes, props, and animals’ enclosures create waste and can involve harmful materials. Additionally, some circuses keep animals in confined spaces and transport them frequently, which affects animal welfare. The environmental footprint is further increased by energy consumption for lighting, sound, and water use. As awareness grows, many circuses are moving toward more sustainable practices, but their transient nature still poses challenges to minimizing environmental effects.