Welcome to toobrightinhere where Jean and I (Trudie) will be exploring the topic of light pollution and its impacts on our planet Earth. Now, light pollution to me sounds pretty harmless. How bad can a little excess light be? Well, to my horror, research reveals that light is BAD — it impacts humans, animals and the environment and sometimes is even fatal. Furthermore, National Geographic declared Singapore, our dear home country, as one of the most light-polluted countries in the world! Hence, it is only natural that I should better understand what light pollution is really all about.
For a start, what exactly is light pollution? According to the International Dark-Sky Association, light pollution is “the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light” in which four key components have been highlighted —glare, skyglow, light trespass and clutter.
Image 1. Components of Light Pollution
- Glare is commonly understood as the surplus of light that prompts visual discomfort.
- Skyglow is the increased illumination of the night sky as a result of streetlamps, lit residences, offices and commercial advertisement boards.
- Light trespass refers to light presence in unwanted or unintended areas.
- Lastly, clutter is the excessive accumulation of light to the extent of confusion.
In the posts to come, we will explore how these components of light pollution are far more detrimental than we might imagine and hopefully, it will compel us to take action to push for the reduction of light pollution. To end off, this link will bring you to an interactive map which provides an aerial view of the intensity and spread of light pollution globally.
Image 2. Bright bright bright Singapore
Till next time!
Trudie
References:
- Light pollution. (2017, February 14). International Dark-Sky Association. https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/
- National Geographic Society. (2019, July 23). Light pollution. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/light-pollution/
- Night Lights 2012. (n.d.). Blue Marble Navigator. https://blue-marble.de/nightlights/2012