What does light pollution affect?
Light pollution has a dramatic impact on the environment and its inhabitants. Many animals, plants as well as humans suffer from its impact that negatively affects their biological rhythms, daily routines and overall welfare.
WILDLIFE
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Many animals, such as turtles and migratory birds that move at night use the stars and the moon as navigators. However, the artificial glare of the cities disorients these animals, leading them to urban areas where they cannot survive. Statistics show that over 100 million migratory birds perish each year in the United States by colliding with brightly illuminated towers and buildings. By reducing the outdoor lighting and commercial/building glare, we can save animals and help return their natural behaviours to normal.
BIRDS
INSECTS
SEA TURTLES
AMPHIBIANS
HUMAN HEALTH
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Artificial light at nighttime disrupts human circadian clock, affecting hormone production, cell regulation and other ‘biological activities’ and leading to many health problems, such as depression, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Neurology professor George Brainard says that constant exposure to artificial light can cause breast cancer as it disrupts neuroendocrine physiology, leading to tumour growth. Reducing the exposure to indoor lights, before and during the sleep, can drastically benefit human welfare, improving melatonin production that contributes to deeper and better quality sleeping.
CO2 EMISSION
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Since the generation of electricity requires the combustion of fossil fuels, production of unnecessary light and energy, emits CO2 and other harmful pollutants, increasing air pollution. According to the IDA (International Dark-Sky Association) research, excessive artificial light releases more than 21 million tons of CO2 each year. Thus, reducing light usage and its duration can directly reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions.
stars
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80% of the world lives under skyglow, which is an artificial outdoor light emitted directly into the sky, creating yellow halo over urban areas and serving no useful purpose. Instead, it negatively impacts astronomy and night sky observations, caused by poor lighting systems. Fully shielded light fixtures can help emit light solely into the ground, reducing the light pollution and increasing the visibility of celestial objects & stars for both a naked eye and astronomers.
safety
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Many assume that nighttime street lighting can help reduce crimes and make the streets safer. Unfortunately, poorly designed and excessive outdoor lighting does not reduce, but even contributes to crime occurrence. The glare of these lights make “victims and property” more visible but also reduces the ability for human eyes to adjust to darkness when light conditions change, making a victim more vulnerable. Therefore, improved lighting systems can reduce glare, creating a safer environment.
To find out more view informational posters on the International Campaign page.