I talked a little about light pollution in my book Question Everything, but few people are aware that this problem exists. When I bought my property in the country, I was shocked that the previous owners had allowed the utility company to erect a huge street lamp right next to the house. It would come on automatically at dusk. Since it was shining directly through my bedroom window at night, keeping me awake, I immediately had them remove it. I am not sure of the reasons why other people choose to live away from the city, but for me, having the ability to look up and see the stars at night, was one of many.
It is sad that so many people living in large cities, rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to see the amazing night sky – especially during the dark of the moon. It is every bit as fantastic as beautiful mountain views and the brilliant hues of autumn that can be seen during the day. Even if they do not care to look at the stars, they need to be concerned because so many wildlife species and in fact, entire ecosystems are bewildered by the bright nighttime light. The rhythmic pattern of dark and light guides their reproduction, sleep patterns, ability to find food, and their ability to escape predators. Nocturnal species suffer the greatest impact because they rely on the darkness of night for their survival. Birds that use the moon to navigate while on migration, are misled into large cities where they often collide into large, especially glass fronted, buildings. The ever present light obscures their ability to know the proper time to migrate. If they wait too long, they may get caught in a deadly storm, or if too early, may not have a food source. For those insects that are attracted to light, it can prove to be a fatal attraction. Twenty four hour illumination is not healthy for humans, either. Too many people suffer from insomnia and rely on dangerous sleeping pills to cope with their inability to sleep. It would make more sense to provide the natural darkness – and quiet – to induce a good night’s sleep.
As the holidays approach, now would be the perfect time to make a major paradigm shift, in how we celebrate them. Perhaps your city or town could be the first to ban outdoor Christmas decorations. Curfews could be implemented, for how late outdoor lights, can remain on. Those homeowners, who choose to leave their porch lights on, could be required to use only motion sensor lights. This problem is one that will take a unification of concerned citizens. If only one person turns off their lights, it won’t make a big difference. Talk to your neighbors, take it to your city council, and write to your politicians. This issue will require determination and tenacity in order to see change, but the reduction of light pollution will make a significant difference in the lives of numerous other species.
