Architect Magazine: The evidence of the Anthropocene is typically described as material changes (think: modifications to the planet’s surface, the accumulation of waste plastic in the world’s oceans, or excess carbon in the atmosphere). But humanity’s outsize impact on the Earth is also represented by the influence of light.
3 comments:
This article was so necessary to read. I hate light pollution but really my only perception of it is how it changes the night sky. I enjoy stargazing and it is abundantly clear light pollution is a real thing when you compare how many stars I can see in Pittsburgh versus home in rural Oregon. I had never even considered what else light pollution can affect. The biggest shock to me was how much it affects wildlife. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense that animals that evolved to survive without it would do worse. A nocturnal animal would be at a distinct disadvantage because it never actually gets that dark, really anywhere. Light pollution is a form of human waste that many people forget about and as mentioned in the article should probably be one of our top priorities. The problem is that right now for the most part light pollution negatively affects very few humans, meaning a majority of society won’t care.
As a child who grew up in a suburban environment the effects of light pollution on my community was something I was aware of as a child as it became more and more apparent as I grew up. I also grew up in St. Louis Missouri which is home to the Muny which happens to be one of the largest outdoor theaters in the US. As light pollution became more noticeable in my environment it also became more noticeable onstage during outdoor shows. This is one of the many effects global warming has had on the theatrical industry in recent years. I am concerned about the future of summer stock and outdoor theater as the earth continues to warn and artificial light pollution becomes more of a thing in today's society. Unfortunately light pollution in urban areas is not changing anytime soon so the only things designers can do is accommodate lighting pollution in their designs.
Theo Kronemer
Within the last couple of years, I became aware of light pollution because I would go into town and everything would just be so much brighter, and I wouldn’t be able to see the stars. Then, I would go out into the desert where no one lives and there was always so much nature and clearness in the sky. Or, when I’ll fly at night and look out the window, it’s so crazy just how much light there is and how much we use. What I didn’t suspect is how light pollution affects moths, even though that seems like it could be clear. I didn’t even know that moths are pollinators. However, I do think it’s important that as we move forward, we’re looking at what we can do to prevent ruining ecosystems and further damaging our planet. Residential lighting may be the main cause of this, but we can still take steps to help minimize light pollution.
Post a Comment