Summary:

Light pollution describes artificial light that has become the necessity of modern life by changing the natural rhythms of light and darkness. It has great impact not only on human health but entire ecosystems. Artificial lights disturb sleep cycles, disorient birds and turtles, reduce pollination, and create imbalance in ecosystems. Using lights wisely and supporting efforts around the world we can reduce light pollution and protect darkness to keep a healthy balance between nature and our progress.

How Light Pollution Affects Humans, Animals and the Environment:

Introduction:

When we think about the pollution the first images come in our are the sky filled with smoke, heaps of plastic which not only pollute the land but when it reach the streams, rivers and seas chok them. But there is another big pollution agent or element which we may not consider commonly and that is “light pollution”. There is a revolution of artificial lighting which is considered useful for increasing human safety and productivity at night. Though it is, but there are unstated expenses associated with this facility. Let’s dive into this popular pollution wrapped in the bright dress of convenience. The term “light pollution” describes artificial light that has become the necessity of modern life by changing the natural rhythms of light and darkness. It has great impact not only on human health but entire ecosystems e.g. wildlife and plants. Its effects are vary from disturbing sleep cycles to marine turtles and migratory birds as they become disoriented. But if we compare this pollution to other kinds of pollution it is reversible if we have proper knowledge and take necessary actions.

What Is Light Pollution?

 

When natural cycle of day and night are replaced by artificial lights then light pollution occurs. It can be divided into four categories.

Sky glow: – In the polluted areas because of the brightening of artificial lights we make stars invisible.

Glare: – Excessive brightness of artificial lights often cause visual discomfort.

Light Trespass: – Unwanted lights often spill into peaceful areas such as bedrooms or natural habitats and makes discomfort.

Clutter: – In urban areas excessive use of bright lights which is confusing, often seen. These categories sound technical but they have impacts on all living beings making a disturbance in the natural ways of their lives.

How Light Pollution Affects Human Beings?

Human beings have a natural system of sleeping and waking in accordance with the cycle of light and darkness and they are physiologically wired to follow daily routine adjustments. Furthermore, this natural pattern is disrupted in numerous ways by artificial lightning.

1. Sleep Disorders and Hormonal Disruption:

Nature has granted us a specific hormone which is called “ Melatonin” this increases our immunity when we sleep in darkness. However, this hormone is reduced when artificial lights are present at night. And most commonly it results in reduced immunity, poor sleep quality and insomnia.

2. Long-Term Health Risks:

The exposure of artificial lights at night is very dangerous for human health according to World Health Organization (WHO) it can cause cancer. There are studies which tell that light pollution can cause heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression and several types of cancers.

3. Well-being of minds and emotions:

There are fewer options for peaceful nights in bright artificial settings. Stress, anxiety and decreased focus are all impacted by little sleep. This eventually has an impact on academic achievement productivity at work and emotional stability.

How does light pollution affects animals?

Like people, animals also depend on the natural light and darkness to survive. Their instincts are disturbed by artificial lights, frequently with potentially fatal consequences.

1. Birds:

The moon and stars are used by many migratory birds to guide them. They become disoriented by artificial lighting from towns and big structures, which causes crashes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service claims that artificial light disorientation kills millions of birds every year.

2. Insects:

A phenomenon that is called “photo taxis” about the attraction of insects towards the light. As they use to circling lights and are killed by these lights. The complete ecosystem is disturbed by the loss of these insects because they are essential pollinators and a food source for many animals.

3. Turtles:

Sea turtles the most important aquatic animals are badly affected by light pollution when moonlight is reflected off the ocean. And when they see artificial lights on the coasts they migrate toward these lights . The life on land is not suitable for these sea turtles. Dehydration becomes the cause of their end or sometimes they are eaten by predators.

4. Night Active Animals:

Many night active animals like owls and bats depend on darkness for their protection and food. Artificial lights disturb their normal lives. They become the easy prey to hunters.

How Light Pollution Affects Plants and Ecosystems?

Plants need natural light to prepare their food , for reproduction and to face the seasonal changes. Artificial lights make them disturb effecting their cycles. Thus the only producers on earth are badly affected by the light pollution and the whole ecosystem is destroyed.

Delay in bloom:

The flowers need natural sun light to bloom at a proper time but when the artificial lights block the sun light to reach the plants there is a delay in their bloom or in some cases it is stopped completely.

Disturbed Pollination:

There are various pollinators that are active at night one of them is called moth. They do pollination at night in darkness but when there are artificial lights explosions it reduces their activity and affects pollination rates.

Imbalance in ecosystem: There are negative impacts on the entire food chain when plants or insects are disturbed by light pollution. If there is less pollination the fruit production will not enough to fulfill the needs. And if there is shortage of fruits human, birds and other mammals will bbiodiversity.There is an urgent need of a balanced ecosystem but the light pollution always interferes with this harmony and threats the biodiversity.

Environmental and Cultural Impact on a broader sense:

 

(A) Loss of the Night Sky:

It is from the centuries that people relied on the stars for inspiration, navigation and cultural guidance. Today billions of people throughout the world are unable to see most of the night sky due to artificial sky light. Astronomers face challenges in their research and cultural ties to the universe are eroding.

(B) The waste of energy:

Using too much light and pointing lights in the wrong direction wastes a lot of energy. This also adds to climate change. In the United States about 30% of outdoor lighting goes waste that costs billions per year.

Solutions:

We can take the following steps to eliminate light pollution.

(I) Use the lights that shine downward instead of into the sky.

(ii) When you leave your room or even your house, turn off all the lights. Only switch on the lights when necessary.

(iii) Use warmer, amber-colored lighting instead of dazzling white LEDs.

(iv) Help local governments and guide communities to enact laws that safeguard night time settings.

(V) Educate people about the hidden dangers of excessive lighting.

Universal Initiatives:

Initiatives are being taken around the world to eradicate light pollution such as;

(i)The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has made the strict rules sothat natural sky lights can be preserved.

(ii)some of the countries have made regulations to avoid night time lighting, France and South Korea are included in those countries.

(iii)Cities across the world are experimenting with “dark-sky reserves”, where artificial lighting is minimized to protect biodiversity and human health.

These efforts demonstrate that progress and environmental care can go hand in hand.

Conclusion:

Light pollution is a solvable problem which makes it different from many other kinds of pollution. But it still harms people, animals and nature. Bright lights can confuse animals make them lose their way or even die. It also affects plants and the natural balance of the environment.

The good thing is that we can solve this problem. By using lights wisely and supporting efforts around the world we can reduce light pollution. Protecting darkness is not about stopping technology. It is about keeping a healthy balance between nature and our progress.

If we take the right steps we can make sure that all living things that depend on the night sky can live safely.