Meghan Hodges
Light pollution is a pressing issue that has disrupted wildlife behaviour, disturbed human sleep patterns, and obstructed the view of stars. Unlike other forms of pollution, light pollution is reversible, and there are several ways to reduce the emission of excess artificial light. This includes using less outdoor lighting and opting for warmer-coloured lights such as amber, yellow, or warm-white. By making these changes, we can significantly reduce light pollution and its impact on the environment and our well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reversibility | Unlike other forms of pollution, light pollution is 100% reversible |
| Impact | Light pollution disrupts wildlife behaviour, disturbs human sleep patterns, and obstructs the view of stars |
| Solutions | Using less outdoor light, using warmer-coloured lights (e.g. amber, yellow, or warm-white), and adopting products that meet the LUNA Technical Requirements |
| Progress | The dark sky movement has achieved successes since the first dark sky legislation in 1958, and organisations like DarkSky International and the International Dark-Sky Association are working to reverse light pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Light pollution is reversible
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is caused by the excessive use of artificial outdoor light, such as car lights, billboards, and lights in large cities. Light pollution has several negative effects, including disrupting wildlife behavior, raising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, disturbing sleep, and obstructing the view of stars.
Fortunately, light pollution is reversible, and there are several ways to reduce it. One way is to use less outdoor lighting. This can be achieved by using timers and sensors to ensure that lights are only on when needed. Additionally, using warmer-colored lights, such as amber, yellow, or warm-white, can greatly reduce light pollution. These lights emit less light into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of scattered light that contributes to light pollution.
Another way to reduce light pollution is to use directional lighting. This involves designing streetlights and other outdoor lights to shine only in specific directions, such as downward onto a path, rather than shining in all directions. This ensures that light is only used where it is needed, reducing the amount of light pollution.
Products that meet the DLC's LUNA Technical Requirements are also a great way to reduce light pollution while improving energy efficiency. These products are designed to reduce energy usage and light pollution while increasing energy efficiency. By adopting these products and making changes to our lighting practices, we can significantly reduce light pollution and protect the night sky.
Overall, light pollution is a reversible problem, and by taking action and implementing these measures, we can reduce its impact on the environment and our ability to view the stars.
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Using warmer-coloured lights
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has been a recognised problem for astronomers since the 1970s, but it is also a problem for wildlife, human health, and the environment. The excessive use of artificial outdoor light can negatively affect wildlife behaviour, raise atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, disturb sleep, and obstruct the view of the stars at night.
One way to reduce light pollution is to use warmer-coloured lights. Warmer colours, such as amber, yellow, or a warm white, can greatly reduce light pollution. This is because they appear brighter to the human eye, and so the same level of brightness can be achieved with less wattage. In contrast, white and blue lights like LEDs contribute to more light pollution because the light is scattered more in the atmosphere. Blue light has a larger geographic reach and creates more glare.
The use of LEDs can help to reduce light pollution, but only if warm-coloured bulbs are used. LEDs are beneficial because they have a more focused light beam than other types of light, such as fluorescent lights. However, to create a white-appearing LED light, it is necessary to increase the shorter-wavelength colours (i.e. blue). This has the effect of increasing light pollution, particularly at night when our eyes are not adjusted to the brightness.
To further reduce light pollution, it is possible to add a protective shield to ensure that light goes downward and not outward. This helps to reduce the amount of light spreading outward and upward. It also reduces glare, making streets safer for pedestrians and wildlife.
Overall, by using warmer-coloured lights and reducing the amount of light spillage, it is possible to greatly reduce light pollution.
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Products that meet LUNA requirements
Light pollution has been a growing concern, and the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has come up with the LUNA (Lighting for Unpolluted Night Skies) requirements to address this issue. LUNA-qualified products are designed to reduce energy usage, increase energy efficiency, and most importantly, mitigate light pollution.
Cree Lighting is one such manufacturer that has been providing products that meet the LUNA specifications for years. Their RSW Series Streetlight, introduced in 2016, is one such example. Most of Cree Lighting's outdoor product lines for street, roadway, and area lighting include a CCT option of 3000K or lower, which meets LUNA requirements.
To achieve LUNA qualification, products must meet the existing DLC SSL V5.1 requirements for lighting efficiency and quality and then satisfy additional criteria to limit light pollution. These criteria include reducing sky glow and light trespass, with the requirement to use warm white light ranging from 2200K to 3000K CCT. LUNA-qualified products must also be dimming capable, with the ability to dim continuously to 20% or less of the maximum light output.
LUNA requirements are designed to complement existing guidelines, such as the IDA-IES Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO), ensuring that communities can easily adopt these standards without reinventing the wheel. LUNA-qualified products can also help meet the light pollution requirements for LEED and WELL certifications, further demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing light pollution.
By adopting LUNA-qualified products, cities, municipalities, and lighting decision-makers can be confident that they are selecting lighting solutions that not only save energy but also follow best environmental practices for nighttime lighting, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Directional streetlights
Light pollution is a significant issue that disrupts wildlife behaviour, disturbs human sleep patterns, and obstructs the view of stars. One effective way to combat this issue is through the use of directional streetlights, which emit light in a specific direction, reducing light pollution and minimising wasted light.
The directional quality of LED streetlights allows for precise lighting distribution, focusing on the areas that need it most. This targeted approach ensures that streetlights fulfil their primary function while minimising their impact on the environment. Additionally, LED technology offers excellent colour rendering capabilities, making objects and surroundings appear more natural and vibrant, which is crucial for safety and security as it enables better recognition of people and objects.
Furthermore, many LED streetlights are dimmable, allowing municipalities to adjust the brightness according to specific needs. This enhances energy savings and reduces streetlight power consumption. For example, during off-peak hours, lights can be dimmed or turned off, as implemented in part-night lighting schemes in some cities. This approach not only reduces light pollution but also addresses concerns about energy efficiency and sustainability.
In conclusion, directional streetlights are a key component in the effort to reduce light pollution and its impact on the environment. By optimising directionality, minimising wasted light, and improving energy efficiency, these streetlights help protect the night sky and the ecosystem while still providing the necessary illumination for urban communities.
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The dark sky movement
Light pollution is a significant issue that disrupts wildlife behaviour, disturbs human sleep patterns, and obstructs our view of the stars. The good news is that light pollution is reversible, and the dark sky movement is a global campaign that aims to address this issue. With over 70 international chapters, DarkSky International is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for the protection and restoration of starry night skies through education, outreach, and conservation.
One of the key strategies of the dark sky movement is the establishment of dark sky preserves, also known as dark sky places. These are protected areas, often found in national parks, with strict zero-light pollution policies enforced by governments. As of 2012, there were 35 formally recognized dark sky preserves worldwide, with Canada leading the way with 15 preserves across the country.
DarkSky International also offers the Fixture Seal of Approval program, which promotes the use of responsible outdoor lighting that minimizes light pollution. They encourage communities to adopt lighting regulations, such as the use of full-cutoff fixtures that cast little to no light upward in public areas. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of using warmer-coloured lights like amber or yellow, as these colours scatter less light in the atmosphere compared to bright white or blue lights.
The movement also includes initiatives like Earth Hour and International Dark-Sky Week, which aim to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action against light pollution. By collaborating with universities, nonprofits, community groups, and businesses, the dark sky movement is making significant strides in reducing light pollution and preserving the beauty of the night sky for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, unlike many other forms of pollution, light pollution is 100% reversible.
Light pollution can be reversed by using less outdoor lighting, and by using warmer-coloured lights such as amber, yellow, or warm-white lights. Directional streetlights can also be used to ensure that light is only shone where it is useful.
Reducing light pollution can help restore the natural darkness of the night sky, making it easier to see stars. It can also benefit wildlife by reducing disruption to nocturnal animals' natural habits, and improve human sleep patterns.
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