This post’s subject is light pollution. Will be explained why it is a problem, the environmental impact, and some measures to reduce this kind of pollution.
The light pollution problem
Light pollution is caused by an excess of artificial light, due to poor installation planning of lamps and poles. The caused problems are:
- Waste of electrical energy;
- Harms astronomical observations, as it is much harder watch the stars in the city`s sky. Compare the urban sky with the rural;
- Affect living beings.
More illumination does not bring security because it can reduce visibility and color contrast. If illumination brought security, then you could expel criminals with a flashlight.
How does it affect living beings?
Many animals that are guided by light become confused with the excess of artificial light, and their migratory, reproductive, and food activities are harmed. An example is the sea turtles when they are born on the beach; instead of going to the sea, they move in the wrong direction due to light pollution.
A study (click here) shows the environmental impact caused by LED illumination; this type of illumination affects the circadian rhythm more than other types of lamps. The circadian rhythm regulates sleep, appetite, and hormone production. The natural growth of plants is also harmed due to photosynthesis caused by an excess of artificial light.
Some measures
It is not possible to turn off the city`s lights, but a simple solution can be implemented. Direct the public light downwards; there is no need for a light pole spread to all directions. Just implement lamps that direct the light exclusively downward.
The poles of the figure below are much more efficient than the ones in the figures above.
Another measure is switch “cold” color (below in the figure) lamps to “hot” color (above in the figure) lamps, because the “hot” colors in the night affect the circadian rhythm less due to the fact that the daylight color is “cold”. Maybe LEDs that emit “hot” color for public illumination can be a possible solution.
