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Blinded by the Night: Unveiling the Hidden Costs of Light Pollution

Harshit Mittal
Aug 11, 2024

Many people are aware of the term ‘light pollution’ but few really know how extensive its impact is on our world. It might seem somewhat minuscule compared to issues like global warming, climate change, or air pollution, but it is in itself an increasing problem in today’s world. 

The consequences of ignoring vary from environmental impacts like wildlife destruction to astronomical consequences, all the way to economic and cultural loss. Artificial light like lasers and whatnot can disorient our wildlife, disrupting the natural behaviour of creatures like sea turtles and marine animals due to artificial lighting along coastlines. It interferes with the natural food chain and ecosystem dynamics, for example, disrupting the relationship between predator and prey, like rabbits and deer, not to mention how they impact nocturnal animals as well, impacting feeding reproduction and survival rates too. 

Astronomers’ ability to study stars and other celestial bodies is hampered by light pollution, which impedes scientific research and advancements, preventing us from discovering more about our universe. Not only does this hinder scientific research, but it also has a substantial impact on different cultures. The omnipresent glow of artificial lights deprives many people of the inspiration and beauty of a natural night sky. There is an overall decline in the cultural and historical connections with the stars that permeate many customs and rituals like the Greek and Roman cultures due to less visibility of them.

Outside of all that, the direct short-term impact it does have is energy waste. Because inefficient lighting creates an excessive amount of waste and needs a power source, it raises energy expenses and increases greenhouse gas emissions. Municipalities spend substantial amounts on unnecessary or poorly designed lighting with no knowledge of using the correct instruments in the right order, which is the root of the massive issue it has become today. 

This challenge requires a comprehensive approach with an effort to be made by all parties. Governments are to enact and monitor lighting regulations, businesses to adopt best practices and invest in cutting-edge technology, and people to use responsible lighting at home. Public awareness efforts and infrastructure upgrades for public lighting ought to be carried out by governments, while businesses could encourage corporate responsibility and employ shielded fixtures and smart lighting systems. By supporting municipal laws, only using outside lights when required, and collectively working together to better our environment, we can help eradicate light pollution in all. Every small action counts. It’s time to buckle up and take responsibility for our world!

References:

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/light-pollution

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2627884

https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions