Helena Joyce
Light pollution is a growing environmental concern that has harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. It refers to the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels, causing unwanted, excessive artificial lighting that reflects in the sky. This phenomenon, known as sky glow, has led to a reduction in the visibility of stars and the Milky Way, impacting astronomers and stargazers alike. Beyond astronomy, light pollution poses risks to human health, with potential links to obesity, depression, and sleep disorders and an increased risk of certain cancers. It also disrupts the natural rhythms and behaviours of various animal species, including birds and sea turtles, and can detract from the beauty of landscapes. Addressing light pollution requires collective action from individuals, institutions, and governments, including the adoption of nature-friendly lighting practices and the support for dark-sky places, which aim to minimise light pollution and preserve natural darkness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally |
| Sources | Street lamps, car lights, shopping mall lights, exterior lights, neon signs, illuminated signboards, satellites, boats, buildings, fireworks |
| Effects on Humans | Sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, cancer, obesity, depression, diabetes, disorientation, unsafe driving conditions |
| Effects on Wildlife | Disrupts nocturnal ecosystems, interferes with the natural rhythms of plants and animals, affects migration, reproduction, hunting and feeding |
| Most affected areas | North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait, China, Hong Kong |
| Action taken | Legislation to control outdoor lighting, designing high-efficiency light sources, establishing "dark-sky places" |
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What You'll Learn
Light pollution's impact on human health
Light pollution, caused by artificial light reflecting in the sky, has become a pressing issue in today's world. It has been linked to a range of adverse effects on human health, with research suggesting it increases the risk of various health issues.
One of the primary concerns is the impact of light pollution on melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone released in the absence of light, aiding in regulating sleep and other physiological processes. However, the presence of artificial light at night, particularly blue light from electronic devices and LED bulbs, inhibits melatonin production. This disruption leads to sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and a potential increased risk of cancer.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized the potential health risks associated with light pollution, advocating for controlled light pollution and research into the matter. Their 2016 report highlighted the negative effects of blue light exposure, recommending shielding light fixtures and using bulbs with a lower correlated color temperature.
Light pollution's impact on mental health is another area of concern. Studies have indicated a link between artificial light at night and an increased risk of depression, with a potential correlation also suggested between light pollution and Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, light pollution has been associated with a higher risk of obesity and diabetes. The disruption of natural light cycles can impact the body's circadian rhythm, affecting various physiological processes and contributing to metabolic issues.
The effects of light pollution extend beyond individual health, influencing entire ecosystems. It can disturb the behaviours of animals, including migration patterns, sleep-wake cycles, and habitat formation, with consequences for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Addressing light pollution requires collective efforts, including legislative changes, improved lighting technologies, and individual actions such as responsible outdoor lighting use and limiting blue light exposure from electronic devices. These measures aim to mitigate the adverse health impacts of light pollution and restore a healthier balance between artificial and natural light.
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Light pollution's effect on wildlife
Light pollution has a detrimental impact on wildlife, affecting a variety of organisms, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Nocturnal animals, which are active at night, have their natural cycles disrupted by artificial light, which turns night into day. This disruption can have far-reaching consequences on their behaviour, breeding, feeding, and survival strategies.
One example of light pollution's effect on wildlife is the attraction of certain organisms, such as moths, frogs, and sea turtles, to artificial light sources. This attraction can lead to their concentration in one area, making them an easy target for predators or exhausting them, ultimately leading to their death. Additionally, artificial lights can act as a trap for migratory birds, disorienting them and causing them to circle endlessly within the beam of light. This can result in death from exhaustion or collision with the light source.
Light pollution also alters the day/night patterns of many organisms, disrupting their sleep and reproductive cycles. For example, it has been observed that some species of frogs alter their nest-hiding behaviour and calling patterns in the presence of artificial light, affecting their breeding success. Similarly, small mammals, such as mice, tend to eat less in lit areas to avoid attracting predators. In contrast, predators like foxes are drawn to these lit areas in search of easy prey.
The introduction of artificial light has been described by research scientist Christopher Kyba as "the most drastic change human beings have made to [nocturnal animals'] environment." The natural rhythm of day and night, which all life has relied on for billions of years, is encoded in the DNA of plants and animals. By illuminating the night, humans have disrupted this ancient cycle, impacting the delicate balance of ecosystems.
To address these concerns, organizations like DarkSky work to restore the nighttime environment and protect wildlife from light pollution. They advocate for responsible lighting practices and support legislation aimed at reducing light pollution. Additionally, individuals can contribute by carefully evaluating the need for outdoor lighting and implementing measures such as dimming, shielding, or lowering the height of lamps to minimize light spillage into wildlife habitats.
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The energy wasted by light pollution
Light pollution wastes energy, money, and damages the climate. In the US alone, outdoor lighting uses about 120 terawatt-hours of energy annually, mostly to illuminate streets and parking lots. That is enough energy to power all of New York City for two years. DarkSky estimates that at least 30% of all outdoor lighting in the US is wasted, mostly by lights that are unshielded. This adds up to $3.3 billion and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The type of lighting in use has also changed. LED lighting makes it very cheap to have more light – and brighter light – than ever before. Coupled with the false assumption that more light is better, homeowners and property managers are rapidly increasing the quantity of light emitted outdoors. While the energy savings and long-term reliability of LED lights are positive attributes, there is less public awareness of limiting the luminance and spectrum of whatever lighting system is used, and to use shielding to reduce glare and light trespass onto neighbouring properties.
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. When we over-light or illuminate areas unnecessarily, we waste energy. This has huge economic and environmental consequences.
To reduce light pollution, individuals are urged to use outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed, to make sure outdoor lights are properly shielded and directing light down instead of up into the sky, and to close window blinds, shades, and curtains at night to keep light inside. Installing quality outdoor lighting could cut energy use by 60 to 70%, save billions of dollars, and cut carbon emissions.
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Light pollution's obstruction of astronomy
Light pollution is a growing concern for astronomers, both professional and amateur, as it directly impacts their ability to observe the night sky. The starry sky has been a source of inspiration, navigation, and scientific discovery throughout human history. However, light pollution is increasingly obstructing our view of the universe.
The primary issue with light pollution in astronomy is the phenomenon known as "sky glow". This is caused by artificial light reflecting in the sky and bouncing off various particles in the atmosphere. The effect is particularly pronounced over urban areas due to the multitude of light sources, including electric lights from cars, streetlamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings. Sky glow washes out the night sky, making it difficult to observe all but the brightest stars.
The problem of light pollution in astronomy is not limited to urban areas. Satellite constellations, such as OneWeb and Starlink, are also contributing to the issue. Astronomers fear that the increasing number of satellites will significantly increase light pollution, further reducing our ability to view celestial objects.
In addition to sky glow, "light trespass" is another concern for astronomers. This occurs when light spills upward into the sky instead of being directed downwards. Near-horizontal light rays can pollute up to 10 air masses, significantly impacting the observation of the night sky.
The obstruction of astronomy by light pollution has led to a growing movement to protect dark skies. This includes efforts to advocate for responsible lighting practices, such as using full-cutoff fixtures that illuminate the ground efficiently, shielding outdoor lights, and reducing blue light usage at night. Some regions have also identified areas of relatively dark skies, which are important for astronomical observations and astrotourism.
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Light pollution and legislation
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on human health, the environment, and wildlife. The American Medical Association (AMA) has supported efforts to control light pollution and conduct research on the potential risks of exposure to light at night. Blue light, in particular, has been shown to reduce melatonin levels in humans, which can lead to various health issues.
Recognizing the negative impacts of light pollution, lawmakers and organizations worldwide have taken legislative and advocacy actions to address this issue. DarkSky International, for example, has been advocating for policy priorities that reduce light pollution and promote quality outdoor lighting. They work with government entities to influence decision-making and implement policies that minimize light pollution and promote energy efficiency. As of 2023, at least 19 states in the United States have laws to reduce light pollution, including "dark skies" laws. These laws aim to reduce unwanted or excessive artificial light and mitigate its adverse effects on the environment.
In June 2019, DarkSky supported pending bills in Massachusetts, S.1937/H.2858, aimed at improving outdoor lighting and increasing dark-sky visibility. In February 2019, they assisted the Town of Lakewood Village, Texas, in enacting an outdoor lighting ordinance, making the town eligible for International Dark Sky Community status. Additionally, in August 2021, the City of Pittsburgh adopted a dark sky lighting ordinance, and New York City adopted controls on nighttime illumination in October 2021.
Legislative efforts to reduce light pollution are also evident in other parts of the world. For instance, in February 2019, DarkSky provided public comments on the City of Maroondah's Draft Public Lighting Policy in Victoria, Australia. In Europe, there have been efforts for region-wide action on light pollution, such as the Brno appeal in October 2022. These initiatives demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of addressing light pollution through legislation and policy implementation.
Furthermore, some states have introduced specific resolutions and bills to address light pollution. Illinois lawmakers introduced SR 64 in February 2023, encouraging local governments to utilize energy-saving light fixtures that reduce unnecessary light. In New York, Senate Bill S583, introduced in January 2023, aims to reduce excess light across the state by requiring all outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded by January 1, 2026. These legislative actions reflect a commitment to mitigating light pollution and its associated negative consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is caused by artificial light reflecting in the sky and bouncing off different types of particles in the atmosphere.
Light pollution can negatively impact human health in several ways. It can cause sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health problems. It also increases the risk of obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Light pollution can have adverse effects on wildlife and ecosystems. It disrupts the natural rhythms and behaviours of plants and animals, including migration, reproduction, hunting, and feeding. It also mars the wilderness experience and landscape beauty, making it difficult to observe stars and other celestial bodies.
Common sources of light pollution include street lamps, exterior lights on homes and businesses, neon signs, illuminated signboards, and advertising. Boats, buildings, and even fireworks can also contribute to light pollution.
Individuals, institutions, and governments can take several measures to reduce light pollution. This includes using light only when and where it is needed, shielding lights to reduce glare and direct light downward, adopting nature-friendly lighting practices, and supporting the establishment of "dark-sky places" with minimal light pollution.
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