IMPACTS OF LIGHT POLLUTION

When you hear the term light pollution you may first think of not being able to see the stars in a city, but that is just one of the many imacts of light pollution. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), estimates that excessive nighttime lighting is responsible for releasing more than 12 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. From energy to wildlife, many things in our environment are effected due to wasted and excess light. 

Ecological Impacts of Light Pollution Presentatiaon

Energy Waste

Light pollution wastes money and energy. According to the International Dark-Sky Association, at least 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. is wasted by shining where it is not intended.  This waste comes mainly from lights that are not shielded or are poorly aimed. That amount of wasted outdoor lighting comes at a cost of about $3 billion nationally per year. ​

Image: International Dark Sky Association

Wildlife

Image: James Wainscoat

Our region is home to incredible and unique biodiversity. The insects, amphibians, birds, bats, fish, deer, and other wildlife that live here have all evolved to thrive in a world with bright days and dark nights. From disrupting physiological processes to reducing nocturnal foraging opportunities, artificial light at night negatively impacts a multitude of living things in the Hill Country and throughout the world. ​

Human Health

Every night we are surrounded by artificial light from our cell phones and computers, our interior home lighting, and from outdoor light pollution in the form of light trespass and skyglow. Exposure to artificial light at night suppresses the production of melatonin in our bodies. Melatonin suppression has been shown to negatively affect our health by increasing the risk of obesity, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast and prostate cancer, and depression. ​

Image: Medspace

Visibility and Security

Credit: Amy Jackson

It is a common misconception that more lighting creates a safer environment, however no studies have shown this to be the case. In fact, glaring light often impedes our vision by constricting our pupils, which hinders our ability to see into the shadows. Glare also impacts the ability of our eyes to adjust to low-light conditions. ​

Economic Development

Light pollution in cities makes it necessary for people to travel away from their homes just to see star-filled skies. As a result, rural regions all over the world are seeing increases in tourism–this is called astrotourism. The Texas Hill Country is home to an increasing number of IDA Designated Dark Sky Parks and Communities. These designated places are popular astrotourism destinations for travelers from around the world who seek the natural beauty of night skies. Keeping Hill Country skies free of light pollution helps to ensure the economic health of our region for generations to come.

Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography

Scenic Beauty

Credit: Nayana Rajesh

Stepping outside on a cool, clear Hill Country night to gaze at the stars helps us escape the fast pace of our daily lives. The experience of a dazzling night sky inspires art, writing, poetry, photography, curiosity and space exploration. It is a part of our human heritage and a special part of our region’s identity. Errant artificial light floods peaceful natural skies making stargazing a thing of the past, something future generations may never experience. The future of our night skies depends on all of us.