The recent results from a study have highlighted that skyglow, an omnipresent sheet of light in urban areas that obscures stars, compels dung beetles to abandon using the Milky Way as their compass. Instead, these creatures are resorting to using artificial lights as guides.
Understanding Skyglow
Skyglow is a component of light pollution, characterized by a sheet of light across the night sky in and around cities. This phenomenon blocks out most stars and is amplified by streetlights, security floodlights, and outdoor ornamental lights.
The impact of skyglow extends beyond just this visual obstruction, having considerable influence on nocturnal creatures. The deluge of light directly enters the eyes of these animals, leading them astray from their paths.
The Issue of Light Pollution
Light Pollution (LP), denotes the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light. This environmental concern has direct implications for humans, wildlife, and our climate.
Components of light pollution include glare, skyglow, light trespass, and clutter. Each encompasses different aspects of excessive or misdirected lighting that together contribute to the overall problem of LP.
Sources and Effects of Light Pollution
Light pollution could be described as an inadvertent product of industrial civilization. Building exteriors and interiors, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and sporting venues with illumination all contribute to LP.
This pollution has more than just aesthetic consequences. It wastes energy and monetary resources by emitting excessive light or shining when and where not needed. Moreover, it disrupts ecosystems and wildlife, as many plants and animals utilize the Earth’s daily light and dark rhythm for essential behaviors like reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection. The effects can be lethal. For instance, a study revealed that nocturnal dung beetles, which can no longer navigate using natural light due to skyglow, are forced to rely on immediate surroundings for cues.
The Impact on Human Health
Like many other life forms, humans follow a Circadian Rhythm — our biological clock — governed by the day-night cycle. LP can disrupt this rhythm, leading to potential health issues.
Solutions to Light Pollution
Addressing the issue of light pollution calls for both direct and indirect strategies. A simple approach includes turning off unnecessary lights at night. For places where lights cannot be turned off, they can be shielded to limit the light shed into the surrounding environment and sky.
The International Dark-Skies Association has certified over 130 ‘International Dark Sky Places’, distinguished by adjusted artificial lighting that reduces skyglow and light trespass. However, most of these areas are in developed countries in the northern hemisphere. There is an urgent need to invest in lighting solutions in less developed but species-rich regions that are currently less affected by light pollution.
