Category: What is light pollution? | DarkSky International

Causes of light pollution

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Light pollution is a problem, but there’s no single country, group, or industry to blame. Instead, it’s a result …

Effects of light pollution

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Light pollution negatively affects…

What is light pollution?

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Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. When we over-light, fail to …

Solutions to light pollution

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Light pollution is harming our environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. All around us, this unintended pollutant …

Photos showing street lighting trespassing into people’s homes, a woman having trouble sleeping

Light pollution affects human health

Light Pollution

Research suggests that artificial light at night can negatively affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, …

Light pollution reduces our night sky heritage

Effects of light pollution

The nighttime environment is a precious natural resource for all life on Earth, but the glow of uncontrolled outdoor …

A man at night, nearly hidden in the glare of a park light.

Outdoor lighting at night doesn’t do what you think it does to reduce crime and increase safety

Effects of light pollution

There is no clear scientific evidence that increased outdoor lighting deters crimes. It may make us feel safer, but …

Light pollution wastes energy and money and damages the climate

Effects of light pollution

Lighting levels that are higher than necessary and light that shines when and where it's not needed is wasteful. …

A mountain lion at night, with the city lights of Los Angeles in the background.

Light pollution harms wildlife and ecosystems

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For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in …