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Jan 25, 2023 · Light pollution affects human health and negatively impacts wildlife. Here, EcoWatch offers an explainer on what it is and what we can do about it.
- How light pollution harms the planet and what to do about it ...
While a broadly accepted definition of light pollution is...
- How light pollution harms the planet and what to do about it ...
- Affects on Astronomy and Night Vision
- Health Risks
- Implications on Wildlife Behaviour
- Additional Resources
- Bibliography
One of the immediate effects light pollution has on our environment is to obscure our view of the true night sky, according to telescope manufacturer Celestron. Without the presence of artificial light, the night sky is awash with celestial bodies, far away galaxiesand constellations. However, if you’re looking up from the belly of a big city, you’...
Other than depriving us of a starry star, there are many more implications to excess use of artificial light, such as throwing the human body's natural cycle out of whack. Circadian rhythms are a group of physiological and neurological changes that occur in the body over a 24-hour-period. Collectively they’re also known as our body clock and is rel...
Along with health issues, light pollution can interfere with the behaviours of wildlife. Nocturnal predators such as batsare among the most affected by light pollution. These flying mammals are well adapted to hunting at night and actively avoid illuminated areas. Unfortunately, their insect prey is attracted to light sources, which leads to barren...
For more information about light pollution, check out "The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light" by Paul Bogard and "Fighting Light Pollution: Smart Lighting Solutions for Individuals and Communities" by The International Dark-Sky Association.
The International Dark-Sky Association "Light pollution", accessed April 2022.John E. Bortle, "The Bortle Dark-Sky Scale", accessed April 2022.Celestron, "What is light pollution and how does it affect views through my telescope?", February 2022.Rebecca Morelle, "Light pollution 'affects 80% of global population'", BBC, June 2016.- Scott Dutfield
Jun 15, 2022 · While a broadly accepted definition of light pollution is the light generated by human activity that makes it difficult to see things in the sky at night, there’s a growing body of evidence that suggests the impact goes beyond merely blocking the potential for stargazing.
Why is this important? Light pollution interferes with predator/prey relationships and plant phenology; disorients migrating birds and newly hatched sea turtles, among other species; and attracts insects to artificial lights so they more easily become prey to birds, and more.
Mar 13, 2020 · A recent study, Light pollution is a driver of insect declines, says habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species and climate change have all played a role in insect declines globally, but that artificial light at night is another important—but often overlooked—cause.
Nov 6, 2020 · In this week's issue of our environment newsletter, we look at why light pollution is a 'stressor' on the planet and why poppies are a symbol of ecological renewal.
Sep 16, 2024 · Light pollution is unwanted or excessive artificial light. It is a form of waste energy that can have adverse effects on birds and other migratory animals and degrade environmental quality. Artificial light is typically generated by electricity, which itself is usually generated by the combustion of fossil fuels.
