Comments on: The Effects of Light Pollution on the Animal Kingdom

By: Colin Henshaw

Colin Henshaw — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:36:27 +0000

It is increasingly obvious now that light at night (LAN) is dangerous. There is simply too much of it, and it goes far beyong actual need. Not only is it damaging to the environment through its effects of wildlife, but it will effect the circadian rhythms of all living things, including us.

Lighting, as I have said elsewhere many times before, should only be applied sparingly, on a needs must basis, when needed, where needed, and in the correct amounts. This should then be reinforced with agressive legislation both at local and national level, in order to bring this about as the lighting industry in its various forms will not self regulate.

By: Graham Cliff

Graham Cliff — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:38:47 +0000

Anthony, My web site has just had a referral from this page. Thank you browser. BTW did you know the “hidden” harm done by LAN caused by the 24 hour day of modern life which is the cause of light pollution? It kills. One day city fathers will be prosecuted for placing lamp standards outside your bedroom window. If YOU cannot sleep and YOU go down with either breast or prostate cancer you should be able to sue your city fathers? The evidence is increasingly being discovered - a bit like the situation with smoking and lung cancer and asbestos and mesothelioma? That the lighting industry and its customers ignore these warnings will simply reduce their already poor credibility. Graham.

By: Night Sky Friendly Outdoor Lighting Specialists » Blog Archive » Good Light, Bad Light

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:29:00 +0000

[...] lighting include light pollution, sky glow, detrimental sleep and health issues of humans and disruption of wildlife. Excess light wastes electricity and fossil fuels. It increases greenhouse gases which contribute [...]

By: Administrator

Administrator — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:06:09 +0000

Lorraine

The fight against bad lighting will be a long one fought on many fields. If you’re able to address this one situation, you have helped the cause move forward.
As a thought… if your ‘health and safety’ folks are adamant (and they likely will), you might suggest that this fixture (or all the fixtures at your site) be retrofitted with shades. This will force the light down onto the ground, where its needed and keep it out of your song birds tree and out of the night sky.
Lights should not shine up.. .EVER! This is a complete and utter waste of money and energy.
Good luck in your efforts.

Anthony

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:42:12 +0000

I have only just become aware of the impact light pollution is having on our wildlife. I have been particularly moved to learn of the effect it is having on our Robin’s. There is a lone one in a tree outside my place of work, and recently as early as 4:3opm he can be heard serenading an ugly old sodium? lamp, which is one of many lighting up a pathway. I find it really sad,he must be absolutely exhausted & hungry (as I have also learned) his food source is also affected by the light. I know this comment is maybe in a more sentimental light than your usual (forgive the pun), but it his plight that has made me want to help in some way. We need to keep little songbirds like him singing @ Dawns Break not at night time. I will see if I can get the lamp which is directly opposite his tree switched off, but I know I will be swamped with Health & safety issues, but I will try. Heres hoping. Concerned City Dweller

By: Administrator

Administrator — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:14:23 +0000

Colin

Thanks so much for your insightful comments. It is encouraging to hear this… as we’ve been shouting at the top of our lungs about this for some time.

Technically speaking, light pollution is one of the simplest environmental pollutants to address. Simply flip the switch and the problem goes away. Unfortunately, convincing people to do this is a far more complicated issue. Good, environmentally friendly lights have been available for quite some time now… their use is only now starting to grow.

Anthony

By: Colin Henshaw

Colin Henshaw — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:53:37 +0000

Light pollution is an insidious form of pollution that does not just annoy astronomers. The astronomers were like the caged canaries that were once used in mines to detect carbon monoxide and methane. Because they were affected by it they were the first to complain. But light pollution does not just affect the night skies, as this excellent web-site has demonstrated. In 1994 I pointed out that lighting world-wide has been sweeping up insects for decades, and that being the case, it would have a concomitant effect on higher order consumers such as birds, bats, other small mammals, spiders, reptiles and amphibians. It also affects plants, as there will be fewer insects to pollinate them, and that this will amplify the already deteriorating positive feedback cycle by providing even less food for the insects to feed on. Environmental organisations are now telling us that there have been major declines in common species over the past forty years that correlate negatively with the expansion of street, security, commercial and decorative lighting over the past forty or fifty years. The connection between the decimation of insects and lighting needs to be recognised by all groups concerned with the environment and they should now vigorously campaign against it. Lighting does not reduce crime, as has been shown in New Zealand and elsewhere, where criminality dropped almost to zero during power cuts. Some lighting, of course, is necessary, but it should be used sparingly, where needed, when needed, and in the correct amounts. It should not to be obtrusive to neighbours and should not to pose a hazard to the environment. Reducing light pollution in the long term, then, will be beneficial to us all, as it will substantially reduce energy wastage, save money and contribute less to global warming and climate change.