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Jimenez Biography
Jimenez Biography
Turn the Stars On
Maya Jimenez
Light pollution, or “the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light” (International Dark Sky
Association), is an omnipresent issue in modern society, especially as technology advances. As our sky
darkens, the world around us brightens as we turn on our lights instead of the stars.
Light pollution is tied to the first environmental justice principle written by delegates at the
National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit which served as an important event in the
environmental justice movement: “Environmental justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth,
ecological unity and the interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from any form of
discrimination or bias.” Light pollution disregards the ecological dependence that species have and
instead disrupts these critical connections. The ecological unity is that all species have a natural rhythm
which light pollution disrupts and thus threatens their livelihoods.
Around 80% of all humans and 99% of humans living in the United States and Europe live
underneath light polluted skies. There are four major components of light pollution: glare, excessive
brightness that disrupts vision; s kyglow, the brightening of the sky over neighboorhoods and cities;
light trespass, lighting where it is not necessary and clutter, multiple light sources crowded together.
Because of these components, many species are negatively affected. Birds are often lured,
lead astray, or disoriented by artificial lights which causes their deaths during flight or migration. Sea
turtles use the light of the moon to lead them towards the ocean, but because of artificial light, they
are led astray. Nocturnal insects have a natural tendency to pollinate at night, but artificial light
confuses those signals. Certain animals who scavenge during the day continue to hunt due to the
excessive brightness and tricks them into thinking it is daytime and therefore safe. This decreases their
chances of survival against predators. These are only a few examples of how species have been
affected by light pollution.
There are disastrous health effects for humans as well. With our natural circadian rhythms
distorted, increases in anxiety, obesity, fatigue, stress, and links to cancer have emerged. Additionally,
light pollution limits our understanding of the stars, which belong to the night sky we can no longer
see. From indigenous peoples using them for cultural practices to ancient astronomers using them to
guide their studies, humans have a profound connection to the stars. Furthermore, stars
provide a sense of wonder and awe of the beauty of the night and our Earth as
an interconnected, interstellar ecosystem.
In order to combat the issue, consumers are urged to buy energy efficient light bulbs such as
light emitting diodes or LED light bulbs that have lower temperatures. Cities are also encouraged to
place their light fixtures effectively and thoughtfully so that lights are facing downwards and not
International Darksky Association’s website, darksky.org, which works to protect
and preserve the night sky from light pollution.
Resources:
1. Is the Evening Sky Doomed? by NY Times
2. Light Pollution by DarkSky.org
3. Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems by DarkSky.org
4. Our Nights are Getting Brighter, and Earth is Paying the Price by National Geographic
5. The Vanishing Night: Light Pollution Threatens Ecosystems by The Scientist