Light pollution is a growing problem that is affecting communities around the world. The excessive and unnecessary use of artificial light is causing unwanted brightness and glare in the night sky, leading to a range of negative impacts on the environment. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why we need to reduce light pollution and the benefits that it can bring to our communities.
Community Character
One of the primary reasons to reduce light pollution is that it can have a significant impact on the character of our communities. The night sky is a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, and it has been an essential part of human culture for thousands of years. However, excessive artificial light can obscure the stars and constellations, robbing us of the opportunity to experience the wonder of a dark night sky. This is particularly true in urban and suburban areas, where the prevalence of streetlights, advertising lights, and other types of artificial illumination can create a permanent haze of light pollution.
Wildlife
Light pollution can also have a significant impact on wildlife. Many animals rely on natural darkness for survival, and the presence of excessive artificial light can disrupt their natural behavior patterns. For example, sea turtles rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate when they hatch and return to the ocean. However, bright artificial lights near the beach can disorient them, leading them to head in the wrong direction and die. Similarly, many species of birds use the stars to navigate during migration, and bright city lights can confuse and disorient them, causing them to collide with buildings.
Human Health
Another important reason to reduce light pollution is the impact that it can have on human health. Exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to a range of health problems such as sleep disorders, depression, and an increased risk of cancer. It can also create a sense of disorientation, as the constant presence of light can make it difficult for our brains to distinguish between day and night. This can be particularly problematic in urban areas, where bright lights can create a perpetual sense of daylight, even in the middle of the night.
Public Safety
Light pollution can also impact public safety. Bright lights can temporarily blind drivers and pedestrians, making it more difficult for them to navigate at night. In addition, the creation of dark shadows caused by bright lights can be used by criminals to hide and commit crimes. Reducing light pollution can, therefore, enhance public safety and make our communities more secure.
Wasted Energy
Finally, reducing light pollution is an important step in reducing our energy consumption and protecting the environment. Artificial light requires energy to produce, and much of this energy is wasted. This is because many lights are placed in areas where they are not needed, such as empty parking lots or unoccupied buildings. By reducing light pollution, we can reduce our energy consumption and help combat climate change.
In conclusion, light pollution is a growing problem that is affecting communities around the world. It can have a significant impact on community character, wildlife, human health, public safety, and energy consumption. Reducing light pollution is an important step that we can all take to protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for ourselves and future generations. Whether it is by using low-energy lighting, reducing the number of lights used in public areas, or simply turning off unnecessary lights, we can all play a role in reducing light pollution and creating a more sustainable and healthy future.
We have began efforts to save our night skies, thanks to the joined effort of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the Teton Conservation District, 1% for the Tetons, the JH Travel and Tourism Board, Free Roaming Photography, the Teton Photography Group, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, and many private donors we’re trying to help the Town of Jackson and Grand Teton National Park achieve Dark Sky Certification from the International Dark Sky Association. Learn more about our efforts here, and get involved if you can!
