Light pollution

15.12.2024 - WP

Light pollution is also disrupting our health and natural ecosystems.

• ! The sky has become 10 percent brighter per year over the past 10 or so years. Light pollution occurs when humans alter the levels of outdoor light by contributing light of their own.

Skyglow:

The phenomenon by which the night sky itself grows brighter than its natural state.

Challenges

Migratory birds trusting the light in the environment to tell them where to go and when to go there. Sometimes, they’re drawn away from their routes to cities. They become tired and careen into windows. Pollinators, many of which are active only at night, are deterred when conditions aren’t as dim as their biology demands.

Rise in satellites

The sharp rise in satellites soaring through low Earth orbit, not to mention the debris caused by their frequent collisions, only worsens the problem.

Initiative by SpaceX

SpaceX are also already experimenting, at the National ScienceFoundation’s behest, with adding shades, coatings and more to satellites so they blend in with space rather than shineout against it.

Reducing ground based light pollution

Sometypes of LEDs are “warmer” than others; only these should be used for outdoor lighting and only at the wattage necessary for sufficient illumination. The next step is to shield lighting fixtures so they only direct light downward, where it’s needed,rather than upward, where it isn’t doing anyone any good.

Countries with rules for limiting light pollution

Chile, France, Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic have rules limiting light pollution. In the United States, atleast 19 states have laws to turn their skies at least a little darker, too