Can You See the Light? Light Pollution: A Growing Crisis for Health, Nature, and Science

Recently, light pollution has become an increasingly demanding issue that not only disrupts the sights of our night skies but also poses consequences for both human health and the natural environment. The impact of artificial light on our surroundings is often dismissed, growing research and evidence suggest that this global phenomenon has far reaching implications from sleep disturbances to an increase in health risks, and even threatening astronomical research. This problem often lacks representation due to the misrepresentation of what light pollution is, and how it affects humans.

A graph of light pollution throughout the US.

The Health Crisis: Disrupted Sleep and Increased Cancer Risks

As the night skies continue to fill with the increasing amounts of pervasive lights in the sky, our natural circadian rhythms struggle to adjust to the sleep disruption oftentimes associated with these lights. Leading to an increased amount of insomnia, heart, and respiratory problems. All caused by the ubiquitous lights in the night sky.

Studies have shown that artificial light, especially blue light emitted can suppress the production of melatonin, Chronic melatonin suppression is not just a cause of insomnia, but also a potential risk factor for a range of serious health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and an increased risk of cancer. Researchers have pointed to links between light pollution and higher rates of breast and prostate cancer, suggesting that prolonged exposure to artificial light, especially at night, may contribute to the development of these diseases by interfering with the body's natural biological processes.

In addition to the direct health consequences, the overall impact on well-being is also added by the growing prevalence of sleep disorders globally. With more people than ever living in areas affected by light pollution, the overall burden of these disorders and light pollution is ever increasing

Environmental Consequences: Disturbing Ecosystems

The consequences of light pollution extend beyond human health, impacting wildlife and entire ecosystems. Many species often rely on the lack of light for their survival. With the exponential number of light pollution measured recently, these species are no longer allowed to thrive over the blanket that nature once provided from them. They are now threatened by the overall artificial and pervasive features of humanity. 

Insects are similarly impacted by the bright lights that draw them away from their natural environments and towards urban centers, where they face increased risk of predation and exhaustion. The collapse of pollinator populations, linked to light pollution, has a direct effect on the health of ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity as a whole.

Furthermore, light pollution disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems by altering the natural rhythms of predators and prey. For example, nocturnal predators like owls and bats, which rely on the cover of darkness to hunt, face challenges as artificial light alters the hunting behaviors of their prey and impacts their own ability to feed effectively.

The Scientific Loss: Threatening Astronomical Research

Perhaps the most visible—and certainly one of the most widely recognized—consequences of light pollution is its impact on the field of astronomy. The overwhelming glow of city lights has created an environment in which stargazing is almost impossible in urban areas. This has significantly hindered the ability of both amateur and professional astronomers to observe the night sky, effectively limiting scientific discovery.

Space-based technologies, like SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation, have further exacerbated the problem. As more satellites are launched into orbit, they contribute to what is known as "skyglow," a scattering of light that interferes with astronomical observations from Earth. The sheer number of these satellites has raised concerns among astronomers about their impact on sensitive telescopes and space observatories, which rely on clear, dark skies to collect accurate data about the universe.

The consequences of this interference are not just felt by astronomers; they ripple through society’s understanding of space, science, and even our cultural heritage. Ancient civilizations relied heavily on the stars for navigation, storytelling, and marking the passage of time. As light pollution erases our connection to the cosmos, future generations may lose this rich cultural and scientific heritage.

The Underrepresentation of Light Pollution in Public Discourse

Despite its widespread effects, light pollution remains an underrepresented issue in global discussions about environmental and public health concerns. While there is significant focus on air pollution, climate change, and the conservation of natural habitats, light pollution is often left out of the conversation, even though it collides with each of these pressing challenges. Part of this lack of awareness stems from the fact that the problem is often invisible—unlike smog or deforestation, it is difficult to see the damage caused by light pollution unless you’re specifically looking for it. Leading to the continued gross misrepresentation of light pollution

Moreover, addressing light pollution requires concerted efforts from individuals, cities, and industries to shift towards more responsible lighting practices. This includes using energy-efficient  lights, implementing lighting controls such as dimmers and timers, and pushing for policy changes that encourage the reduction of unnecessary light emissions. However, such changes require both education and action, which is why advocacy groups and scientists alike are calling for more research and public awareness campaigns to highlight the hidden costs of light pollution.

Moving Forward: A Call for Change

Light pollution is a multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences for health, biodiversity, and scientific progress. Yet, it remains significantly underrepresented in public discourse. To combat this, we must make greater strides in educating the public about the severity of the problem and the steps we can take to mitigate it. Simple actions, like shielding outdoor lights, reducing excessive street lighting, and supporting policies that protect dark skies, can go a long way in reducing the impact of light pollution.

Sea turtles are one of the biggest victims of light pollution.

Ultimately, the fight against light pollution is not just about restoring our local ecosystems  but also about safeguarding our health, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring the continued progress of science. It is a global issue that demands our attention and action before its full consequences become irreversible