Though it's not as visible as other forms of pollution like littering or poor air quality, light pollution poses risks that are just as serious. Learn more about light pollution and what you can do to prevent it.
Have you ever experienced the feeling of pure awe while looking up at the night sky on a clear summer night? The stars and planets seem to go on forever, and it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful sight. Unfortunately, it’s very possible that in just a few decades, we won’t be able to experience this feeling ever again.
As defined by the International Dark Sky Association, light pollution is “the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light” and is actually considered an environmental pollutant, much like those found in our air or water. Though it may not seem as harmful as acid rain or rampant littering, light pollution has very real, and very dangerous, effects on both humans and wildlife, as well as the environment we all share.
We’ve all felt personally victimized at some point in our lives by an errant bird chirping all night and keeping us awake. Birds aren’t nocturnal, but excess artificial light often confuses them into staying awake throughout the night and harassing us humans.
Not only is this behavior an annoyance to those of us trying to get some sleep, but it makes birds much more vulnerable to nocturnal predators like owls and cats who are on the lookout for an easy midnight snack. Some species of migratory birds have even been thrown off their typical flight path and killed after flying into artificially lit buildings.
Endangered sea turtles are another brand of wildlife impacted by light pollution. When baby turtles hatch and begin their trek to the sea, they use the stars and moon to guide them to the ocean where they start their lives. But with other light sources from homes, hotels, businesses and more distracting them, the baby turtles can be tricked into traveling the wrong way, making them an easy target for predators before they even make it close to the seashore.
When it comes to humans, we aren’t immune to the effects of light pollution either. Artificial light is a major cause of insomnia and daytime fatigue, which as we all know, can be a huge hindrance when it comes to work and school.
Since we’re constantly bathed in artificial light, whether at work, school, or running errands, our natural circadian rhythms are thrown off and our bodies aren’t sure when to start powering down for the night. Using smartphones and laptops and watching TV at night is especially harmful, as the blue light these devices emit prevents our bodies from releasing melatonin, known as the sleep hormone.
Despite all these scary implications of light pollution, there are ways we can all reduce excess artificial light at home or at the office. In your bedroom, limit screen time as much as possible before bed to ensure a good night’s sleep. Always switch off outdoor lighting at night, including your porch lights, spotlights and accent lighting. If you own a business or work in an office, make sure your lights are all turned off before the building closes for the night.
Although light pollution is an extremely prevalent problem all over the world, you can be part of the solution. Take preventative measures now and ensure that years from now, you’ll still be able to marvel at the starry sky above.
