As the countdown to the new year begins, cities worldwide are transforming with colourful lighting, and the celebration of a new beginning is now linked with spectacular illumination. Shopping malls, restaurants, and organizations are all set to beautify their surroundings with festive lighting and decorations to attract more customers, contributing to a growing menace -- light pollution. While the festivities may bring joy, the excessive use of artificial lighting poses a significant threat to our environment, human health, and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
At first glance, it's difficult to see why light pollution is a major concern. Sure, being able to see the stars at night is lovely, but artificial lighting is also extremely useful; we can now perform things in the dark that were impossible before. We don't have to strain ourselves to read by candlelight or carry a torch down the street at night.
Still, it's possible that contemporary illumination has gone too far. The issue emerges when "progress" crosses the line into wasted energy, squandered resources, and harmful environmental change. Light pollution is an unintentional consequence of poorly constructed and unmanaged artificial lighting. In recent years, scientists have shown that excessive artificial illumination at night can have a surprising variety of negative effects.
Impact on health and daily patterns
Humans are fundamentally linked to the natural rhythm of day and night, and face abnormalities in their circadian rhythm due to extended exposure to artificial light. The brightness of these lights resemble that of the sun, reducing the effectiveness of melatonin, a critical hormone that governs our sleep-wake cycle.
The consequences may go beyond usual difficulties; individuals may face a slew of health issues, ranging from poor work performance to weight gain and, possibly, an increased susceptibility to cancer. Indeed, recent scientific findings regarding the health impacts of artificial light have persuaded the American Medical Association (AMA) to endorse initiatives to regulate light pollution and conduct studies on the possible hazards of nighttime light exposure.
Ecological impact
It's not just humans who suffer the consequences. Light pollution has a damaging effect on animal nutrition and alters their normal activities. The apparent brightness of the night sky that can serve to reduce visibility for astronomical observation, known as sky glow, distracts and confuses animals. Several studies have been done on the impact of light pollution on insects, turtles, birds, fish, reptiles, and other wildlife species affecting behaviours, foraging areas, and breeding cycles, not just in urban regions but also in rural areas. Nocturnal animals' eating and navigation are jeopardized, perhaps leading to food shortages and instability in the delicate balance of ecosystems.
During migration, birds, in particular, suffer difficulties because brightly lighted structures lure them astray. About 200 species of birds fly their migratory routes at night over North America, and they are sometimes misled during passage by brilliantly lighted buildings, communication towers, and other objects, especially during bad weather with low cloud cover. Light does both attract and disorient birds. For certain species that are already in decline, the effects are severe enough to put their survival in jeopardy.
The ecological consequences of artificial light have been thoroughly researched, indicating the widespread impact on both plants and animals. Trees become predisposed as a result of the disturbed night cycles, hurting the species that rely on these terrestrial havens. Even plants, which appear to be immune to the nocturnal fight, are not exempt from the negative impacts of evening lights.
New year’s resolution: Committing to mindful practices
This excessive illumination has a significant economic and environmental impact. Wasted energy and resources result in financial losses as well as an increased carbon impact. As we prepare to ring in the new year with spectacular displays, it is critical to remember that our festivities should not come at the price of the environment or the well-being of living beings.
Last year, a video went viral on social media showing some sparrows seeking refuge inside a house in Dhaka after being terrified by the overwhelming lights and sounds produced by fireworks and Fanus (sky lanterns) during the 31st-night festivities. We do not want to repeat the same circumstance this year.
To address this developing threat, a comprehensive strategy including a variety of remedies is required. These include using light sources with the least amount of intensity required for their purpose, installing timers or occupancy sensors to turn off lights when not in use, improving lighting fixtures to reduce side effects, changing the type of lights used to reduce pollution, and re-evaluating existing lighting plans. Choose environmentally friendly lighting, switch off superfluous lights, and advocate for appropriate lighting practices.
The enchantment of the new year is found not just in the brilliance of artificial lights, but also in our shared obligation to maintain the beauty of our planet. Let us embrace a commitment to sustainability as we enter the promise of a new year -- one that assures the globe continues aglow with the natural beauty of the night sky, unspoiled by the unintended implications of our festivities. We can protect our planet's natural balance and leave a legacy of bright harmony for future generations by making mindful decisions and taking collaborative action.
Salma Akhter is a Research Associate, Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).
