Did you know that most environmental pollution on Earth comes from humans and their inventions? We often think of automobile emissions and plastic waste as major contributors to climate change and marine pollution, but there's another form of pollution that is often overlooked: light pollution.
What is Light Pollution?
Light pollution refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light. While electric light has been hailed as one of the greatest human inventions, too much of it has started to negatively impact the environment. Light pollution affects human health, disrupts wildlife behavior, and impairs our ability to observe stars and other celestial objects.
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That Earthly Sky Glow
Light pollution is a global issue, as illustrated by the World Atlas of Night Sky Brightness. This atlas, based on thousands of satellite photos, reveals how vast areas of North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are illuminated at night. Only the most remote regions on Earth remain in total darkness. Countries like Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait have become some of the most light-polluted places on Earth.
Sky glow, the brightening of the night sky mainly over urban areas, is caused by the electric lights of cars, streetlamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings. This phenomenon turns night into day, making it challenging for people living in cities to see more than a handful of stars. Astronomers are particularly concerned about sky glow pollution, as it hinders their ability to study celestial objects.
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Is it Time to Get Up?
Artificial light can disrupt natural body rhythms, affecting both humans and animals. Nocturnal light interrupts sleep and confuses the circadian rhythm, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and various health problems. Increased exposure to light at night also reduces melatonin production, a hormone linked to sleep regulation and overall well-being. The American Medical Association (AMA) now supports efforts to control light pollution and conduct research on its potential risks, especially regarding exposure to blue light from devices like cell phones and LEDs.
Animals are Lost and Confused, Too
Light pollution also has detrimental effects on animal behaviors. Sea turtles and migratory birds, for example, rely on moonlight for navigation. However, they get disoriented and often perish due to the presence of artificial lights. Additionally, insects, a crucial food source for birds and other animals, are attracted to artificial lights and are killed upon contact. Birds, too, are affected by light pollution, leading many cities to adopt "Lights Out" programs during bird migration. Even marine animals are impacted by underwater artificial lighting, which alters ecosystems.
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You Shouldn’t Need Sunglasses at Night
Apart from sky glow, there are other forms of light pollution to consider: glare, clutter, and light trespass. Glare causes visual discomfort, clutter creates confusion with excessive groupings of light sources, and light trespass occurs when light extends into areas where it is not wanted or needed. Most outdoor lighting is poorly positioned, wasting electricity and contributing to light pollution.
Bring Back the Dark Sky
Thankfully, numerous organizations are working to reduce light pollution. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA), established in 1988, strives to preserve the natural night sky. They educate the public and certify parks and other places that have made efforts to reduce light emissions. Several dark sky reserves have been established around the world, including the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first in the United States.
Stop Wasting Energy: Things We Can All Do
We can all contribute to reducing light pollution and restoring the beauty of the natural night sky. Many states have implemented legislation to control outdoor lighting, and manufacturers have developed high-efficiency light sources that save energy and minimize light pollution. Individuals can make a difference by using outdoor lighting only when necessary, ensuring that lights are properly shielded, and keeping indoor lights contained by closing blinds, shades, and curtains at night.
By taking these steps, we can protect our environment, improve our health, and preserve the beauty of the night sky for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Light Pollution
Q: What are the major sources of light pollution?
A: The major sources of light pollution include car lights, streetlamps, office and building lights, outdoor advertising, and industrial lighting.
Q: How does light pollution affect human health?
A: Light pollution disrupts natural body rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, and other health problems. It can also reduce melatonin production, which has been linked to increased risk of cancer.
Q: How does light pollution impact wildlife?
A: Light pollution affects animal behaviors such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. It can disorient sea turtles and migratory birds, leading to their death. Additionally, insects, a primary food source for many animals, are drawn to artificial lights and are killed upon contact.
Q: What can individuals do to reduce light pollution?
A: Individuals can use outdoor lighting only when necessary, ensure lights are properly shielded and directed downward, and keep indoor lights contained by closing blinds, shades, and curtains at night.
