Increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improve the quality of outdoor lighting.

About the Light Pollution

• Light pollution, the excessive or misdirected artificial light at night, is an often overlooked but significant environmental issue.
• It affects not only our ability to view the night sky but also has profound impacts on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Causes of Light Pollution

Light pollution primarily results from human activities and poorly designed lighting systems.

Key contributors include:

• Urban Sky Glow: The brightening of the night sky over populated areas due to streetlights, buildings, and other sources of artificial light.
• Light Trespass: Unwanted or intrusive light that spills over into areas where it is not needed, such as residential properties.
• Glare: Excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort and reduces visibility.
• Clutter: The excessive grouping of lights, often seen in urban areas, which can create confusing and overwhelming visual environments.

Impacts on Health and Environment

Human Health: Exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders and other health issues. It has been linked to increased risks of obesity, depression, and even certain types of cancer.

Wildlife: Many species rely on natural light cycles for navigation, reproduction, and foraging. Artificial light can disorient animals, disrupt migration patterns, and interfere with predator-prey relationships.

• For example, sea turtles and migratory birds are particularly vulnerable to light pollution.

Ecosystems: Light pollution can alter the natural behaviours of plants and animals, affecting entire ecosystems.

It can disrupt the timing of flowering in plants and the activities of nocturnal animals, leading to imbalances in local biodiversity.

Disruption of the Biological Clock

Our biological clock, or circadian rhythm, is regulated by the natural light-dark cycle. However, exposure to artificial light, especially at night, can shift the timing of these rhythms and dampen their oscillation. It can lead to various health issues.

Health Impacts

• Sleep Disorders: Artificial light exposure can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
• Metabolic Disorders: Disrupted circadian rhythms are linked to an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Mental Health: There is evidence suggesting that circadian disruption can contribute to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Environmental Impacts

• Wildlife: Many species rely on natural light cues for navigation, reproduction, and foraging. Artificial light can disorient animals, disrupt migration patterns, and interfere with predator-prey relationships.
• Ecosystems: The alteration of natural light cycles can affect entire ecosystems, leading to imbalances in local biodiversity.

Solutions to Light Pollution

Improved Lighting Design: Using fixtures that direct light downward and minimise glare can significantly reduce light pollution.

Regulations and Policies: Governments can play a crucial role by enacting and enforcing regulations that limit excessive and misdirected lighting.

• Policies that promote the use of energy-efficient lighting can also contribute to reducing light pollution.

Public Awareness: Educating the public about the impacts of light pollution and encouraging responsible lighting practices can lead to community-driven solutions.

• Initiatives like ‘Dark Sky’ reserves and events can help raise awareness and promote the preservation of natural nightscapes.

Conclusion

• Light pollution is a pervasive issue that requires immediate attention. By adopting better lighting practices, implementing effective regulations, and raising public awareness, we can mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution and protect our health, wildlife, and environment.
• As we continue to urbanise, it is crucial to balance our need for artificial light with the preservation of the natural night sky.

Read more: PAN 2.0 Project