The Night Sky Is Getting 10% Brighter Every Year

The night sky is becoming 10% brighter each year, according to a report by The Guardian. Eighty percent of individuals reside in areas subjected to light pollution. Despite the United Nations recognizing clean air and water as human rights, there is an argument for a right to darkness as well. Bright white floodlights at the front of garages, for instance, might not be necessary.

Replacing such lights with ones that are sufficient for their purpose and no brighter could potentially allow for stargazing without needing to drive for hours. To safeguard darkness, regulations and enforcement regarding the warmth of lights, their direction, and their brightness would be necessary. This includes not installing more lights than required.

Acknowledging the need for darkness would lead to increased caution in preventing it from being eliminated. Beyond stargazing, access to darkness is vital for various reasons. It is a habitat for animals that rely on the moon for navigation, such as baby sea turtles and moths, as well as frogs during courtship rituals. Migrating birds can also be disoriented by city lights.

Furthermore, light pollution disrupts the relationship between plants and pollinators, alters the flowering time of trees, and interferes with the circadian rhythms of all living beings, including humans. It can be caused by artificial lights indoors or leaking through windows at night. Studies indicate that we require darkness for rest, recovery, and overall health.