Light Pollution - a thread.
Today will see members of the House of Lords debate an amendment to the #EnvironmentBill that would require national targets on reducing #LightPollution. Read the thread below for just some of the reasons why targets are needed. 1/
📷William Warby
Invertebrates
#LightPollution impacts invertebrates at all stages of their lives. Areas lit by streetlights have 50% less caterpillars. One third of insects attracted to lights die as a result. And nocturnal pollinator visits are reduced by over 60%. buglife.org.uk/campaigns/ligh… 2/
Mammals
Hedgehogs avoid lighting, restricting their movement. #LightPollution causes many problems for bats, disrupting their roost, feeding and navigation. 3/
Climate
Did you know that lighting is estimated to account for 15% of the global electricity consumption and 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions? 4/
Amphibians and Reptiles
Frogs’ behaviour is impacted by artificial light with individuals croaking less frequently and moving more often. Light pollution has been identified as a serious threat in areas with reptiles. 5/
Humans
Its not just animals impacted by light pollution. Human health issues are linked to light pollution including obesity, mental health disorders and some cancers. It has also recently been identified as an environmental justice issue. 6/
📷Anezka Gocova
Astronomy
When we think of the night sky, we picture the stars. Almost every person in the UK no longer has a clear view of the milky way because of light pollution. Light pollution removes our ability to enjoy the natural wonders of the galaxy. 7/
📷Todd Carlson
Birds
Artificial light can cause birds to fly towards lit areas. Research shows more birds migrating over urban areas compared to rural, having a significant impact on energy levels during migration and lead them to stop in the wrong places. 8/
Plants
Even plants are impacted by artificial lighting. It been linked with trees bursting their buds more than a week earlier, a timescale similar to that predicted for 2°C of global warming! 9/9
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