The UK’s Royal Astronomical Society is calling for urgent action to address the damage caused by artificial light at night, warning that light pollution affects human health, wildlife, ecosystems and the visibility of the night sky.
According to the RAS, exposure to light pollution, combined with a lack of natural sunlight, can contribute to poor metabolism and the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, dementia and Parkinson’s disease, as well as retinal problems. Evidence also suggests that it can affect mood directly and increase the incidence of depression and anxiety. The impact, however, is not limited to humans. Artificial light can alter natural habitats, accelerate biodiversity loss, particularly among nocturnal species that depend on darkness to survive, and fragment ecosystems. Marine biodiversity has also been affected.
According to the data cited, one third of insects attracted to artificial light sources die as a result of exhaustion, disorientation or predation. Light pollution also reduces plant-pollinator interactions by up to 62%, significantly affecting plant reproduction. Artificial light and light pollution can also threaten the visibility of the night sky, both for astronomers and the wider public. Reducing light pollution is essential to protecting astronomy, the RAS said.
To address the impact of artificial lighting, the society is calling for artificial light at night to be legally recognised as a pollutant. It also says that night should be recognised as an integral part of the natural environment and protected on an equal basis with daytime activity as part of broader conservation efforts. The RAS recommends tackling light pollution through five principles of responsible outdoor lighting: using light only for a clear purpose, directing it only where needed, reducing brightness, using it only when necessary and choosing warmer-coloured lighting.
The public can also help by switching off lights when they are not needed and using lower-temperature LED lighting instead of bright white light.
Source: CNA
