Photo credit : Rémi Boucher / Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve.
Light pollution, often overlooked, alters our natural and urban environments. Emitting excessive artificial light not only disrupts the beauty of the night sky, but also has several negative consequences on the environment and human health.
What is light pollution?
According to the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, light pollution is defined as "the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light."
DarkSky International identifies four elements that render light polluting:
- Glare: intense light that can create visual discomfort;
- Skyglow: caused by the diffusion of light in the atmosphere;
- Light trespass: light that does not illuminate the intended area;
- Clutter: an excess of light sources in a concentrated area.
In summary, any type of intense or misused nighttime lighting can generate light pollution. For example, municipal streetlights, commercial lighting, signs, and spotlights on sports fields all significantly contribute to a city's skyglow.
The harmful effects of light pollution
Light pollution causes numerous problems. Not only does it reduce the visibility of the stars above, but can also negatively affect our health and that of all living beings.
Impacts on the visibility of the sky
Firstly, when light pollution is present in a given area, seeing the stars above with the naked eye becomes difficult. This pollution deprives us of a magnificent nocturnal show. Moreover, light pollution severely threatens astronomical observatories. Gradually, they are forced to shut their doors. Light pollution is so dense that it stops astronomers from continuing their research through imaging.
Impacts on energy consumption
Unnecessary intense lighting not only increases light pollution, but also increases energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. For the consumer, unnecessary lighting results in wasted energy and increases electricity costs.
Impacts on wildlife
Wildlife is much more affected by light pollution than one might think. The majority of species depend on the day to night cycle to perform their daily activities, such as reproducing, feeding, protection from danger, and sleeping. Unfortunately, light pollution disrupts these activities. For example, migratory birds who mostly relocate at night become disoriented by skyglow. Birds die due to collisions with overly illuminated buildings. Turtles are also threatened by light pollution. They rely on the light reflecting on the ocean to find their way. They dig their nests in the sand, on the beach, and when the eggs hatch and it is time for the young turtles to make their way to the sea. Light pollution causes them to become confused, and many of them do not make it. Due to the multiple artificial light sources near the ocean, turtles move towards the city instead.
It is important to understand that this light pollution does not only affect these two species, but all living species, including plants and human beings.
Impacts on health
Several studies have shown that exposure to artificial light at night increases the risks of insomnia, vision disorders, depression, obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and cancer.
Other studies confirm that the circadian cycle, also known as the biological clock, can be deregulated. It is influenced by photoreceptors found in the eyes. These receptors are very sensitive to blue light, and prolonged exposure to it can inhibit the natural production of melatonin. Melatonin contributes, among other things, to the functioning of several body organs and helps us sleep well.
In the evening, it is therefore preferable to favour more subdued and warmer lighting, as well as to reduce the use of screens, and to limit our exposure to blue light.
Solutions to reduce light pollution
There are several solutions to reduce light pollution production. The Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve proposes four.
Direct light towards the ground
It is strongly advised to choose a lighting fixture that directs light towards the ground. This way, the light source illuminates the appropriate area, without causing glare or losses towards the sky.
Reduce the intensity of the diffused light
For better adaptation to ambient brightness, it is recommended to reduce the intensity of the light.
Set a lighting period
Instead of lighting throughout the night, it is suggested to use a timer or motion sensor to reduce lighting times thus decreasing light pollution.
Diffuse amber-coloured light
Blue light harms the visibility of the sky, as it is more easily diffused by the atmosphere. That is why the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve recommends using lighting fixtures that diffuse amber-coloured light. Amber LEDs from 1800K to 2200K all have a blue light composition of 10% or less. Composed mostly of yellow light, these color temperatures have a much less negative impact on the nocturnal environment and species.
Reducing light pollution is simply about lighting better. Applying the four solutions mentioned above could significantly reduce light pollution. Moreover, according to DarkSky International, replacing outdoor lighting fixtures with better-quality fixtures could reduce energy consumption by 60 to 70%.
We have created a selection of products that meet the criteria mentioned above. You can access them by clicking here.
In sum, light pollution is much more than just a visual nuisance that deprives us of the beauty of the night sky. Its implications go beyond astronomy, deeply affecting ecosystems and human health. As our world continues to light up, it becomes necessary to recognize the urgency of this problem. Fortunately, the solution is within our reach, thanks to more environmentally friendly lighting technologies and an awareness of our light impact. Light pollution is a reversible issue. Do your part to reduce light pollution and get our amber light fixtures from 1800K to 2200K.
