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By Bhaskar Anand
Inappropriate and excessive use of artificial light powered by electricity can lead to light pollution, which gives rise to concerns related to both the environment and human health. Light pollution emerges as an aftereffect of emitting energy into the surroundings at a pace that surpasses the environment's capacity to effectively scatter or absorb it, resulting in adverse health and environmental effects.
Since the inception of the light bulb in 1879, artificial lighting has contributed to safety and convenience by illuminating darkness and extending active hours into the evening. However, over the past few decades, the issue of light pollution has surged due to the improper and excessive utilization of high-intensity artificial light. Researchers have projected an alarming 2 to 5 percent annual increase in the spread of light pollution in urban areas, pointing to an imminent threat and demanding a substantial escalation of this problem. Diverse forms of light pollution have emerged, encompassing glare (disruptive horizontally directed light), trespass (light spilling onto undesired areas), clutter (light clustering confusion) and sky glow (upwardly reflected light).
Light pollution profoundly impacts various aspects of the natural world. It poses significant threats to nocturnal creatures, migratory animals and those in flight, while also exerting adverse effects on plant life. Furthermore, the abundance of intense artificial light can overwhelm the delicate photoreceptor cells within the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment and disturbances in natural sleep patterns. The circadian rhythm, integral to the functioning of living organisms, relies on internal biological clocks that synchronize with external environmental cues, particularly light, to ensure accurate timekeeping.
A robust circadian system orchestrates harmonious rhythm across a multitude of physiological and behavioral processes, encompassing sleep-wake patterns, daily metabolism, cardiovascular activity, cognitive functions and memory. However, in the presence of excessive artificial light, this finely tuned circadian system is disrupted. The consequences comprise a range of physiological disorders, including obesity, mental health issues, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and even the potential onset of cancer. Recognizing and addressing the implications of excessive environmental light is crucial for safeguarding the intricate balance of life processes within various organisms.
To date, significant strides have been taken to extend the lifespan and elevate the energy efficiency of light bulbs, along with the implementation of more intelligent directional lighting concepts to mitigate excessive light emissions. Despite these advancements, the present level of progress in curtailing light pollution falls short, potentially giving rise to grave environmental and human health issues in the foreseeable future. It is imperative for governments and environmental bodies across the globe to focus their attention on the issue of light pollution. This entails consistent monitoring of nighttime light emissions, coupled with the formulation of strategic guidelines to optimize its impact. These endeavors are pivotal for fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for humanity on our planet.
Bhaskar Anand, Ph.D. (https://www.bhaskaranandjha.com) is a postdoctoral researcher working at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University.
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