Light pollution (excessive light during night time) is a form of pollution that distresses many people, especially in modern cities. What are the causes of light pollution, and what solutions can you suggest for governments and businesses to take?
Light pollution is one of the common problems, which is a cause of concern, especially for those living in modern cities. This menace can be ascribed to various sources, and it is imperative to take prudent steps to counter it.
The most common attributed to this problem are defective street light designs, allowing light to escape side and upwards instead of focussing only on the targeted area. Besides this, the lighting systems used in factories, restaurants, hotels and residential societies also add to this rapidly growing problem. Another major culprit for this kind of pollution is the generous use of billboards and advertising hoardings, often deployed across the urban areas, to promote products and services. These light up the night sky and make it obscure to the eyes. Similarly, it is undeniable that the irresponsible attitude of motorists who rely on using high beams add to the woes, sending their beams of headlights skywards.
An expert study conducted by Light Pollution Institute, San Francisco concluded that later half of 20th century and 21st century are marred by brightly lit urban skylines, where one can see bright horizons that are illuminated by bad street light designs and abundant imprudent use of lighting systems by business establishments.
However, this challenge can be overcome by following a few simple steps such as improving the designs of street light systems; people complaining about the places where the excessive illumination is detected; fixing hours for the lights used in fair grounds, restaurants and even on boards being used to promote companies and their products; and motorists using low beams.
Overall, light pollution is a potential threat to the environment, and happens due to several human driven reasons even though it can be resolved just by applying rational strategies and initiatives.
