Light Pollution a new threat to the ecology

The popularity of contemporary lighting gadgets of different kinds, such as LEDs, has grown.

Ankit Awasthi
Published on: 20 July 2021 10:01 AM GMT
Light Pollution
X

Light Pollution a new threat to the ecology

In a similar line, the Natural Environment Research Council of the United Kingdom discovered in research that variations in the colors and intensity of light had a complicated and surprising impact on animal eyesight. The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communication.

Light Pollution a new threat to the ecology

Researchers from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom performed the study, which warns the world about the growing environmental dangers posed by light pollution. In reality, the necessity for artificial light at night has had a significant impact on animal life.

Artificial light with excessively high intensity is harmful to tiny insects. These tiny insects serve a crucial role in preserving the ecosystem's equilibrium. Their extinction will exacerbate ecological imbalances. The nature of nighttime illumination has changed significantly across the globe over the past 20 years, according to research on the impact of artificial light on insects.

The popularity of contemporary lighting gadgets of different kinds, such as LEDs, has grown. It's only natural that insects be attracted to light. Artificial illumination, on the other hand, has a significant impact on insect eyesight. To identify the impacts of artificial light on insects, researchers studied the effects of more than 20 kinds of light on the sight of insects and birds that feed on insects.

Many insects have enhanced eyesight in some kinds of light, but their vision is disrupted in other types of light, according to the research. Dr. Jalyan Trasiako, a researcher from the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus's Centre for Ecology and Conservation, points out that although contemporary brand-spectrum lighting makes it easier for humans to perceive colors at night, The source has a significant detrimental impact on other species' eyesight. The reason for this is because artificial light intended for human eyesight lacks the blue and ultraviolet categories, which are critical in evaluating an insect's ability to perceive color. In many situations, this condition prevents insects from seeing any color. Insects cannot avoid predators and remain concealed in such a scenario. It's also becoming harder for them to locate and pollinate flowers.

Beyond usual attempts to control the quantity and intensity of light, a careful approach to lighting is required in such a scenario. Recognizing the requirements and utility of artificial illumination, further efforts should be made. Artificial light pollution pollutes the whole ecosystem. The ecology is inherently disrupted by light pollution.

Artificial light intensity promotes restlessness and harms human health. We can not only minimize the harmful impacts of artificial illumination on insects, but we can also prevent negative health consequences. To do so, we must minimize sky-illumination, light trespass, utilize light sources with the necessary minimum intensity, and use occupancy sensors to greatly reduce light pollution. Simultaneously, light fixtures should be upgraded so that they can direct light more precisely and with fewer side effects wherever it is required. Furthermore, raising awareness about artificial light pollution can only benefit the environment. It's quite probable that if we fix artificial lighting, we'll be able to prevent negative health consequences while also saving insect lives.

Stay tuned with the newstrack to get fastest updates. Click @englishnewstrack to follow us on Facebook and @newstrackmedia to follow on Twitter.

Ankit Awasthi

Ankit Awasthi

Next Story