LIGHT POLLUTION

 

 

Light pollution is a form of environmental degradation in which excessive artificial outdoor lightings, such as street lamps, neon signs, and illuminated signboards, affect the natural environment and the ecosystem.

 

   

 

Problems brought by light pollution

 

l          The wasteful light emitted directly upwards or reflected upwards from poorly-designed artificial light sources can be scattered by clouds, fog, and pollutants like suspended particulates in the atmosphere. The night sky is thus brightened, leading to a reduced number of stars visible in the sky due to a decrease in the light contrast.

 

l          As there are not enough coals left and when we produce more electricity, it means that we burn more coals and make the air pollution worse, the coals will be used up quickly.

 

l          For biological problems, light pollution affects the natural living habits of animals. The affected animals cannot make a difference between day and night, causing problems on their ability to move. Besides, their ability to determine position, compete with other animals and communicate, and their psychological conditions can be affected. The relationship between predator and prey may even be reversed.

l          A research points out that light pollution threatens creatures in lakes, such as water fleas, since light pollution can facilitate the growth of algae and this can cause red tide, killing aquatic lives and worsening water quality.

 

 

 

l          Migratory birds may lose their position due to light pollution. It is estimated that at least four to five million of birds die because of light pollution each year.