Light pollution

Light pollution is the presence of anthropogenic and artificial light in the night environment. It is
exacerbated by excessive, misdirected or obtrusive use of light, but even carefully used light
fundamentally alters natural conditions. As a major side-effect of urbanization, it is blamed for
compromising health, disrupting ecosystems and spoiling aesthetic environments.

Light pollution is the presence of artificial light in otherwise dark conditions. The term is most commonly
used in relation to in the outdoor environment, but is also used to refer to artificial light indoors.
Adverse consequences are multiple; some of them may not be known yet. Light pollution competes with
starlight in the night sky for urban residents, interferes with astronomical observatories, and, like any
other form of pollution, disrupts ecosystems and has adverse health effects.

Light pollution is a side-effect of industrial civilization. Its sources include building exterior and interior
lighting, advertising, outdoor area lighting (such as car parks), offices, factories, streetlights, and
illuminated sporting venues. It is most severe in highly industrialized, densely populated areas of North
America, Europe, and Japan and in major cities in the Middle East and North Africa like Tehran and
Cairo, but even relatively small amounts of light can be noticed and create problems. Awareness of the
deleterious effects of light pollution began early in the 20th century,[8] but efforts to address effects did
not begin until the 1950s.[9] In the 1980s a global dark-sky movement emerged with the founding of the
International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). There are now such educational and advocacy organizations in
many countries worldwide.

Energy conservation advocates contend that light pollution must be addressed by changing the habits of
society, so that lighting is used more efficiently, with less waste and less creation of unwanted or
unneeded illumination.[citation needed] Several industry groups also recognize light pollution as an
important issue. For example, the Institution of Lighting Engineers in the United Kingdom provides its
members with information about light pollution, the problems it causes, and how to reduce its impact.
[10] Although, recent research[11] point that the energy efficiency is not enough to reduce the light
pollution because of the rebound effect.

Source: Wikipedia