Just like noise pollution, light pollution is a different kind of environmental disturbance that people may not think of. The word “pollution” usually makes people think of bottles and cans on the side of the road or toxic chemicals in their local lake or river, but it Is defined as “the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.” The presence of light during the nighttime when it is supposed to be dark can have harmful effects on wildlife.

 

What are the impacts of this?

Light pollution can have a devastating impact on sea turtle hatchlings because they cannot make their way to the sea after emerging from their eggs. They are supposed to follow the moon in order to find the water but get confused and follow lights coming from land instead. They can die from exhaustion, get run over by cars, or get eaten by predators. Every species of sea turtle is currently endangered to become extinct so this is a huge problem.

 

Some animals that are only active during the night will remain in hiding all night because they are waiting for it to become dark. Because of this, they may miss opportunities to eat or breed.

 

What is being done about this around the world?

  • Street lights are being removed, some places are implementing more reflectors so that roads will be lit up by your headlights and the area will be dark when no cars are present at night
  • Lights are being shut off along coastlines during the time of year when turtles will be hatching and volunteers help guide them to the water
  • the clips of the turtles from BBC’s Planet Earth have raised awareness about this issue

 

What can you do about this?

  • Keep outdoor lights off when possible
  • Advocate for fewer street lights
  • Ask stores to do the same