How light pollution causes more harm than realized
By Ashley Carter, April 26, 2023
"Not only are humans facing the effects of light pollution, but wildlife are as well. Animals are mainly disrupted through an alteration of migration patterns, sleeping habits and habitat formation. For example, turtles are guided by moonlight when they are migrating. Because of light pollution, turtles are unable to follow their typical migration patterns, often leading to death. Many animals are naturally drawn towards light, such as birds, which has resulted in large numbers of deaths in large cities.
"Especially harmful are the impacts of light pollution on marine ecosystems. Boats can often have underlight panels on their bottom side, which light up the water underneath. As a result, many marine species will move further away from the light areas, disrupting where they find shelter and form habitats. Prolonged exposure to light pollution among any form of wildlife can affect their hormones, skin coloration, thermoregulation and reproduction.
"Not only are animals needing to adapt to habitat degradation and climatic changes, but the unfortunate effects of light pollution are also disrupting daily behaviors that they rely upon for survival. We humans, who may not realize the harmful extent of such an issue, will find that their short and long term health will become greatly affected."