Helena Joyce
Light pollution is a pressing issue that has been largely ignored, despite being one of the most prevalent problems facing the modern world. It is caused by the inefficient and unnecessary use of artificial light, which has increased by 49% from 1992 to 2017. Light pollution is not limited to a specific country, group, or industry, but rather it is a global phenomenon resulting from the world's increasing reliance on outdoor electrical lighting. This has led to significant light pollution in both developed and developing countries, with Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait being among the most light-polluted countries. Light pollution has various forms, including glare, light trespass, skyglow, light clutter, and over-illumination, all of which have detrimental effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Inefficient or unnecessary use of artificial light |
| Specific categories | Light trespass, over-illumination, glare, light clutter, and skyglow |
| Global increase | 49% from 1992 to 2017 |
| Most polluted countries | Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait |
| Light sources | Oil rigs, passing ships, streetlights, buildings, fireworks |
| Impact | Disruption of ecosystems, adverse health effects, increase in climate change impacts, energy wastage |
| Solutions | Adjusting light fixtures, using appropriate light bulbs, public education, legislative change, turning off lights |
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What You'll Learn
Light trespass
To prevent light trespass, it is important to consider the placement of lights and ensure they are directed downward and only illuminate the necessary areas. Shielded fixtures can help prevent light from escaping into unwanted areas, and motion-sensor lights can ensure that outdoor lighting is only activated when necessary. When installing new outdoor lighting, it is recommended to develop a comprehensive lighting plan that outlines where and how lighting will be used to minimize the potential for light trespass.
If you are experiencing light trespass, it is best to first contact the responsible party, which is usually obvious, such as a neighbour, a small business owner, or a larger business or government agency. It is important to approach the situation in a positive and non-threatening manner and work together to find a solution that benefits the community.
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Over-illumination
Light pollution is a global issue that has increased by at least 49% from 1992 to 2017. It is caused by inefficient or unnecessary use of artificial light, with cities being the major contributors. Light pollution has various adverse effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment.
The health impacts of over-illumination are significant. Medical research suggests that excessive light exposure can lead to increased headaches, worker fatigue, medically defined stress, decreased sexual function, and increased anxiety in humans. It can also disrupt the natural circadian rhythms that are essential for human biological welfare, leading to sleep disorders, depression, hypertension, attention deficit disorder, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Additionally, over-illumination can have detrimental effects on wildlife. It can alter the migration, reproduction, hunting, and feeding behaviours of animals. For example, sea turtle hatchlings instinctively move towards the brightest light source, which should be the moon reflecting off the ocean. However, bright city lights disorient them, leading to dehydration, predation, and a failure to reach the safety of the ocean.
Furthermore, over-illumination contributes to energy waste and negatively impacts pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. It also affects human health, as mentioned earlier, and can create potential safety issues for drivers due to reduced visibility.
Addressing over-illumination requires a combination of solutions, including adjusting light fixtures, using appropriate light bulbs, and educating the public to advocate for legislative changes. It is important to strike a balance between illumination for safety and functionality while minimising unnecessary light pollution.
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Light clutter
One of the primary sources of light clutter is the excessive use of outdoor electrical lights in cities. Cities account for most light pollution due to the abundance of unshielded and improperly angled lights. These lights send illumination upward into the sky instead of focusing it downward, where it is required for human safety and navigation. The result is a brightening of the night sky, known as skyglow, which obscures our view of the natural night sky and celestial objects.
Furthermore, light clutter can have detrimental effects on human health and well-being. It interferes with the human eye's ability to adapt to darkness, reducing its sensitivity and making it challenging to observe faint objects in the night sky. Light clutter also has the potential to impact human circadian rhythms, which are crucial for maintaining healthy sleep patterns and overall well-being.
To address the issue of light clutter, several solutions can be implemented. These include adjusting light fixtures to direct light downward, using fully shielded light fixtures, employing more appropriate light bulbs, and turning off lights when they are not needed. Additionally, educating the public and advocating for legislative changes can help reduce light clutter and mitigate its negative impacts on the environment and human health.
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Sky glow
The sources of artificial light contributing to sky glow include street lamps, exterior lights on homes and businesses, neon signs, illuminated signboards, and lights from cars, offices, factories, and boats. Poorly designed lighting at outdoor sports centres, fields, and stadiums also adds to the problem, affecting adjacent open spaces and parks.
The impact of sky glow on human health is concerning. Artificial light disrupts the natural day/night cycle, affecting the circadian rhythm and the production of melatonin, a hormone released in the dark. This disruption leads to various health issues, including sleep disorders, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and potentially more severe problems.
Additionally, sky glow affects wildlife, as nocturnal light can interrupt their natural behaviours and activities. It also has economic implications, with the International Dark-Sky Association estimating that one-third of all lighting is wasted, resulting in an annual cost of $2.2 billion.
To address sky glow, measures such as using full cutoff lighting fixtures, spacing lights appropriately, and utilising only the necessary light intensity are recommended. The Dark Sky movement has made significant progress in advocating for dark sky legislation and promoting responsible lighting practices to reduce light pollution.
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Sources of light pollution in cities
Light pollution is a pressing global issue, and it is primarily caused by the ever-increasing reliance on outdoor electrical lights. While there isn't a single source responsible for light pollution, cities are significant contributors. The unshielded and improperly coloured lights in urban areas send light upward into the sky, resulting in what is known as sky glow. This phenomenon not only wastes energy but also has detrimental effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment.
- Street Lights and Pathway Lights: Unshielded streetlights and pathway lights are major contributors to light pollution in cities. These lights are designed to illuminate streets and pathways for safety reasons, but when not properly shielded, they allow light to spill upwards into the sky instead of focusing it downwards where it is needed.
- Exterior Lights on Buildings: The exterior lights commonly found on homes, businesses, and other buildings can also cause light pollution. When these lights are not properly directed or shielded, they add to the overall sky glow and can intrude on neighbouring properties.
- Neon Signs and Illuminated Advertisements: Neon signs and illuminated advertisements are often a source of light trespass, where unwanted light escapes from one property into adjacent areas. These bright and attention-grabbing signs contribute to light clutter, creating a confusing and excessive grouping of light sources, particularly in urban centres.
- Parking Lot and Shopping Mall Lights: The lighting used in parking lots and shopping malls can also lead to light pollution. Similar to street lights, when these lights are not properly controlled or shielded, they send wasted light upwards, contributing to sky glow.
- Vehicles: The electric lights from cars and other vehicles contribute to sky glow, particularly in densely populated urban areas. As cities expand and more vehicles are on the road, the collective impact of their lights can be significant.
- Factories and Industrial Areas: Light pollution is also attributed to the lighting used in factories and industrial areas. These areas often operate at night, and the lights required for their operations can be a source of light trespass and glare, impacting nearby residential areas.
- Poor Lighting Design and Implementation: In addition to the specific light sources mentioned above, light pollution in cities is often a result of poor lighting design and implementation. This includes the use of excessive lighting where it is not needed (over-illumination), as well as lights that are not properly shielded or directed downwards.
It is important to note that light pollution is not just an aesthetic issue but has been linked to negative consequences for human health, wildlife behaviour, and the environment as a whole. Addressing light pollution requires a combination of legislative changes, public education, and the adoption of more efficient and appropriate lighting technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution is the excess or inappropriate use of artificial light outdoors.
Light pollution comes from a variety of sources, including cities, boats, buildings, streetlights, and even fireworks. Cities account for most of the light pollution due to the high number of unshielded, improperly coloured lights that send light upward into the sky.
Light pollution has several effects on the environment, wildlife, and humans. It disrupts ecosystems, wastes energy, increases the impacts of climate change, and can have adverse health effects on humans. It also obscures our view of the natural night sky, with most people in cities unable to see more than a handful of stars at night.
Light pollution can be reduced by using fully shielded, light-efficient fixtures that prevent light from escaping into the sky. Other solutions include adjusting light fixtures, using more appropriate light bulbs, and educating the public to push for legislative change.
