Topic > Growing concern about ambient light pollution

Dense concentrations of brightly lit buildings are often synonymous with rapid development and economic prosperity. Of the $3 billion spent on skylighting each year, it is estimated that over a third of the lighting is wasted. In addition to economic consequences, artificial lighting has documented deleterious effects on sea turtles, songbirds, deciduous trees, and humans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay "Environmental light pollution" (ELP) is a term commonly used to describe the disruption of the natural light cycle experienced within the ecosystem caused by artificial light. There is growing concern that ELP may contribute to occupational diseases in shift work, mass mortality of key species and ecosystem collapse. The researchers observed the effects of ELP on seaward sea turtle hatchlings' disorientation as they mimic the reflection of starlight off dark bodies of water. This navigational failure is also well documented in field crickets, northern thrushes, and especially migratory birds, which have been observed to be so enthralled by high-intensity urban light installations that they die from fatigue from circling the source. Attraction to artificial light also increases vulnerability to being preyed upon. There is evidence that some species are able to adapt to artificial light and use its visibility to hunt prey. However, these seemingly beneficial effects on one species can have a negative impact on the overall ecosystem. Excessive predation changes community structure and causes ecological cascades. Some key species could be defeated or preyed upon to extinction. Loss of biodiversity not only impacts conservation efforts, but can also force other species that rely on those key species to go extinct. Animals aren't the only ones affected by ELP. Canada's largest populations of endemic trees are found in deciduous forests. In recent years, scientists have found that deciduous trees near the ELP shed their leaves later than unshaded trees. This leads to poor transitions into winter, as a result many trees are unable to tolerate the decrease in temperature. ELP also shows harmful effects on humans. In one study conducted, nurses who worked rotating night shifts for over 15 years had a 35% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, and those who worked for more than 30 years had a higher incidence of 36% breast cancer. New Mexico established the Night Sky Protection Act; while in the Czech Republic and Arizona light was legally included among pollutants. In Ontario, there had previously been an average of 2,278 bird fatalities each year, but this dropped to just a few once the lighting at the power plant in question was changed. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers .Get a custom essay Local governance has started to create laws; however, municipalities often have no incentive to enforce lighting ordinances, leading to what scientists call a race to the bottom. Experts are calling on the public to put consumer pressure on companies to be more socially responsible, for the education system to integrate light pollution as part of the curriculum, and for the federal government to recognize the risks..