Why misusing artificial light signifies doom for all of us

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, 
How I wonder where you are 
Looking up is no solution; 
The sky's so full of light pollution. 

I would like you to close your eyes and think of all the glowing cityscape images with glistening lights. They are so aesthetic and pleasing to the eyes. I mean one can just look at them for hours. It’s such a vibe! But is it though? Did you know that these aesthetically pleasing sights are actually endangering ecosystems by harming animals whose life cycles depend on darkness? Not just that they are also endangering us. By losing the night sky, we are losing a part of ourselves.  

This is light pollution and it is now among the most chronic environmental problems on earth. We have heard about air pollution, water pollution, land pollution and even noise pollution but not about light pollution. In simple words, light pollution is the excessive use of artificial outdoor lightning. 

You might say, why should I listen to you? How is it even affecting us? I’ll tell you how. Medical research suggests that light pollution may cause an increase in headaches and anxiety, fatigue, stress, disruption in sleep and much more. On top of all that, some studies suggest that exposure to artificial illumination is linked to breast cancer. It is estimated that 83% of the world’s people live under light-polluted skies. The area affected by such artificial illumination continues to increase. Several reports have highlighted how nearly one-third of mankind cannot see the Milky Way because of light pollution.  

Can we ask those people to turn off the lights? Well, you can’t really do that. But here is what you can do. Some very simple and easy steps to a better future, a better night sky.  

For starters, we must use light only when and where needed. This way we kill two birds with one stone. One is not just contributing to preventing light pollution but also saving money. Who doesn’t want that? Next, let’s use only the required amount of light for the task at hand. No wastage! Look around your home. Look out for outdoor lighting. At least, angle it downwards to minimize light trespassing beyond your property line.  

By following these small steps, you will be contributing to a very big cause. Light pollution is negatively affecting humans, animals as well as the environment. But the good news is that it can be reduced! That too, just by implementing some simple and cause-effective measures. Now, it’s your turn. 

Nikky Malhotra is a student of Bal Bharati Public School, Ganga Ram Hospital Marg. Views expressed are personal.