Combating Light Pollution Through Urban Planning

With ever-expanding urban landscapes, the night sky is increasingly obscured by artificial lights, giving rise to the pervasive issue of light pollution. Light pollution tends to be the most overlooked type of pollution, but is incredibly prevalent around the world. In this post, I will delve into how urban planning, led by organizations like the National Dark Sky Association (IDA), can serve as a start in the fight against light pollution.

Light pollution tends to begin in many different forms; light trespass, over-illumination, light clutter, and sky glow. Breaking down light pollution into different sub topics helps us understand where it begins and therefore find solutions to stop it before it continuously happens. For example with light clutter, we have been able to deduce that central hubs of light centers alike to Times Square will cause more light pollution. Knowing this, urban planners can take this into account to make future cities more green-efficient and possibly change older cities to combat light pollution.

The National Dark Sky Association, a non-profit organization committed to preserving the natural night environment, plays a pivotal role in advocating for responsible lighting practices. In order to make environmentally conscious decisions when planning new cities, urban planners can utilize the IDA's guidelines. These emphasize the importance of minimizing unnecessary lighting and promoting smart, energy-efficient alternatives. By incorporating these principles into urban development projects, cities can not only reduce light pollution but also create more sustainable and visually appealing environments.

One key strategy is the reduction of street lighting. Traditionally, cities have tended to flood streets with excessive lighting, contributing to the scattering of light into the night sky. An easy way to reduce light pollution is within street lighting in new cities and redesigning current cities. Urban planners can strategically place lights where they are needed most, utilizing shields and directing light downward to minimize its upward dispersion. This not only reduces light pollution but also conserves energy and mitigates the impact on nocturnal ecosystems.

Similarly, the implementation of regulations governing the brightness and duration of illuminated billboards can significantly contribute to the fight against light pollution. By lessening the intensity and duration of outdoor advertising lighting, light pollution will decrease. A harsh reality is urban planners attempting to find a balance between commercial interests and environmental preservation as light pollution is already overlooked, and advertisers are not mainly focused on their environmental impacts.

Furthermore, community engagement is crucial in the implementation of these initiatives. Cities can involve residents in decision-making processes related to lighting policies and raising awareness about the impact of excessive artificial light on both the environment and human health. Humans should be concerned by light pollution as it affects our circadian rhythms and disruptions can lead to many sleep disorders, even a delay in melatonin production. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility urban planners can instill a collective commitment to reducing light pollution, aligning with the psychological principles of community well-being.

In conclusion, the battle against light pollution requires a multifaceted approach, and urban planning emerges as a powerful ally in this endeavor. Inspired by the National Dark Sky Association's advocacy, cities can embrace thoughtful design, reduce unnecessary lighting, and engage communities in the pursuit of darker, more sustainable nights.

Although this issue may seem bigger than an individual there are things you can do to help mitigate light pollution!

• Be aware: If you are using outdoor lighting make sure it is direct downward, use motion sensors or timers to ensure the lights are only on when needed.

• Advocate: Use this information to educate others, allow them to engage in dark-sky-friendly practices.

• Curtains/Blinds: In your own home you can make sure blinds are closed at night to minimize the impact of external light sources on the sky.

Works Cited

International Dark-Sky Association. Practical Guide to Light Pollution. Tucson, Arizona: . International Dark-Sky Association, 2011.

“Light Pollution: The Overuse & Misuse of Artificial Light at Night.” JMU, 4 Jan. 2022, www.jmu.edu/planetarium/light-pollution.shtml.

By: Kelly Simon